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Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
18 July 2023
Lead MP
Nigel Huddleston
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyTaxationClimateBrexitForeign AffairsBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & EthicsChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Nigel Huddleston raised concerns about comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
EconomyTaxationClimateBrexitForeign AffairsBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & EthicsChildren & Families
Government Statement
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade signed the accession protocol to CPTPP on Sunday 16 July in Auckland. The UK will be the first new member since its creation, joining a bloc with a combined GDP of £12 trillion or 15% of global GDP. Accession sends a signal that the UK is using post-Brexit freedoms to boost the economy and secure its position as the second largest economy in CPTPP. It will provide opportunities for British businesses abroad and support jobs at home, with over 99% of current goods exports to CPTPP countries eligible for zero tariffs. Tariffs on whisky will be eliminated within 10 years and on cars within seven years. The agreement also includes provisions ensuring non-discriminatory treatment and greater transparency for services firms. Notably, the UK and Malaysia will now have a free trade agreement for the first time, providing access to a market worth £330 billion.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
The CPTPP has controversial provisions that could undermine British health and safety standards, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Large companies can sue the UK Government privately if changes to laws or regulations affect their profits. Tariffs on palm oil imports from Malaysia will be reduced but there is no mechanism ensuring sustainability. The agreement excludes eggs from sensitive sectors, potentially allowing lower welfare standard imports. Concerns about the long-term impact on British farming and food production are raised.
Minister reply
The minister rebuked these criticisms as myths and emphasised that CPTPP does not alter UK's safety standards or requirements for import rules. He highlighted that the deal offers opportunities to engage with international partners on important issues like environment, including a commitment to tackle illegal deforestation within supply chains.
Question
The deal benefits counties and nations across these isles by providing farmers an opportunity to export premium products to parts of the world that value them.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is correct, as this deal creates opportunities for food and beverages, including Scotch whisky, dairy produce, among others. The UK estimates CPTPP will bring benefits to every nation and region in the country.
Torfaen
Question
I have met representatives from CPTPP signatories and made clear our commitment to driving up trade. However, we must scrutinise the full details of this agreement because with this Government, the devil is in the detail.
Minister reply
This is a great opportunity for businesses right across the UK as already, CPTPP countries sustain about one in 100 jobs in the UK and that will increase because of opportunities including investment.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
This is an important trade deal as well as a geopolitical event that allows Britain’s shared values to be brought to the partnership.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is making a powerful and important point about the importance of pivoting to the Indo-Pacific, where there is so much global growth.
Question
This Government seem willing to sign up to any trade deals despite concerns regarding workers’ rights and domestic standards.
Minister reply
Again, I am disappointed to see the hon. Gentleman talk negatively about a deal that will benefit Scotland as well as all other parts of the United Kingdom.
Question
I warmly welcome this announcement and urge the Minister to make sure we are using the time between now and finally joining CPTPP to ramp up British industry presence.
Minister reply
Thank my hon. Friend for his work as a trade envoy, he makes an important point: signing the deal is one thing, but we need to ensure that it is used.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Question
UK car manufacturers are currently changing their supply chains for EU exports; under CPTPP they ought to buy parts from Vietnam. Will the Department publish guidance for business?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is underestimating the opportunities, but he has given me the chance to point out one of the key benefits of CPTPP, which is cumulation, with products and parts being used—and still benefiting from lower tariffs.
Question
I congratulate the Minister as well as all the Ministers who have contributed to this significant moment. What action is he planning to take to promote the trade deal?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend, again I really appreciate the recognition that the deal will benefit all nations and regions of the UK.
Question
Even if the world was flat—the Pacific would still be very far away compared to Europe—how does the deal benefit fresh seafood producers?
Minister reply
Again, I am sorry to hear hon. Members conflate different points. We have left the European Union and CPTPP creates opportunities in areas of the world with considerable growth where we did not previously have deals.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
I am delighted that the Government have signed up to this huge trade partnership. While it may not be in the convenient party political interests of some Opposition Members, it is very much in the national interest.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an important point about the role that small and medium-sized enterprises can play.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Despite the Government's claims, CPTPP will contribute only 0.08% to UK GDP over a decade. The OBR forecast predicts that due to hard Brexit and lack of free-trade deals, UK exports are set to fall by £51 billion in 2023. How will the Minister compensate for this loss?
Minister reply
CPTPP will bring significant economic benefits worth billions of pounds across the UK. The deal is expected to create numerous jobs and opportunities despite what Opposition Members might claim.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
How will businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region be able to take advantage of the new trade deal?
Minister reply
The Government is working through export support services, trade advisers, and other programmes to ensure that businesses are aware of opportunities. This includes assisting companies large and small, especially those who have never exported before.
Question
What steps are being taken by Ministers to cultivate positive diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific region?
Minister reply
Ministers are actively engaging with various nations around the Indo-Pacific on issues such as the environment and labour rights. These discussions go beyond trade deals to cover a wide range of concerns.
Question
What message does the Minister have for those who think Britain should not have a global role or is in permanent decline?
Minister reply
Life is better with the Conservatives in charge, and joining CPTPP shows that Britain is moving forward positively.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
How will the Department work with FCDO Ministers to ensure that such deals further international obligations?
Minister reply
The Government aims to make sure all regions benefit from CPTPP, including Northern Ireland. The Administration is committed to ensuring full advantage of this and future deals.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
What are the advantages for services exports in London and the digital economy?
Minister reply
The UK is the second biggest service exporter globally, with more than 3,000 businesses owned by CPTPP members and over 100,000 jobs reliant on these. Benefits extend beyond London.
Question
Is there anything comparable in recent history or down the tracks as good as the agreement and partnership that has been entered into?
Minister reply
The Government is committed to working for our constituents, recognising benefits from Commonwealth countries and developing nations. There are many deals already signed and more being negotiated.
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that the era of Euro-jingoism is dead, with Britain now a true international trading power?
Minister reply
Europe will continue to be an important partner but there are vast opportunities globally that the UK wants to take advantage of, moving beyond just the EU.
Shadow Comment
Helen Morgan
Shadow Comment
The CPTPP contains controversial provisions that could undermine British health and safety standards, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Large companies may sue the UK Government in private if they believe changes to laws or regulations affect their profits. There is no mechanism ensuring imported palm oil is sustainably produced despite deforestation concerns. The agreement excludes eggs from sensitive sectors, potentially allowing imports of products produced under lower welfare standards. Concerns are raised about the long-term impact on British farming and food production, with an estimated increase in GDP by only 0.8% over a decade.
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