Free Trade Agreement with the US 2023-02-09
2023-02-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No recent progress on a free trade agreement with the US despite previous rhetoric.
There has been no real progress and there remains no free trade agreement with the US. Does the Minister think his suggestion that this is the fault of the US President will help or hinder future negotiations?
The US is not currently negotiating FTAs with any other country. We have dialogue with one of our closest allies and are working on areas including steel and food to create opportunities, alongside work in respect of the memorandum of understanding.
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Assessment & feedback
Minister did not address whether blaming the US President would help or hinder negotiations
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Desire for a free trade deal with the US, despite potential barriers.
Will the Minister confirm that there are no barriers at all to trying to conclude an agreement? We want this deal with the US. Does he think it will happen?
We are keen to conclude a deal with the US but they cannot enter into negotiations. However, we will continue to find opportunities and remove barriers where possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Minister did not confirm absence of barriers or likelihood of agreement happening
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
US Inflation Reduction Act poses risks to British green energy and technology firms.
Had the Conservative party negotiated a free trade agreement with the US, as promised at the general election, would British firms have been protected from new market barriers? Is it true that infighting in the Conservative party delayed addressing this threat?
The US has opted to pursue policies in the Inflation Reduction Act that will harm British businesses. The UK expects to be part of any flexibilities in the implementation of the IRA, and we are engaging closely with the US Administration.
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Assessment & feedback
Minister did not address whether a free trade agreement would have protected firms or if internal issues delayed addressing the threat
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Lack of progress on a free trade agreement despite previous statements.
What recent progress has been made on a free trade agreement with the US?
We recognise that the US is not currently focused on FTAs. However, we stand ready to resume negotiations when they are ready. We have been working to improve the trading landscape by removing tariffs and lifting bans.
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Assessment & feedback
Minister did not provide details of recent progress but mentioned readiness for future negotiations
Response accuracy