New Zealand Trade Agreement 2021-12-02
2021-12-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Liberal Democrat MP raised concerns over the potential impact of the planned UK trade agreement with New Zealand on local farmers and crofters, noting opposition from organisations such as the National Farmers Union.
What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact on UK farmers and crofters of the planned UK trade agreement with New Zealand. I draw the House's attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. I have to say to the Minister that her confidence is not shared by hill farmers and crofters, or by the National Farmers Union and the National Farmers Union of Scotland.
This deal brings new opportunities to agricultural producers, making it easier to trade with New Zealand. It is a gateway to joining the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership—the CPTPP—a high-standard free trade agreement involving 11 Pacific nations. This will create new export opportunities for British farmers to those markets. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, this will be independently scrutinised, and there is obviously the Trade and Agriculture Commission as well.
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Assessment & feedback
Commissioning an independent economic and environmental impact assessment
This Will Be Independently Scrutinised
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Liberal Democrat MP expressed scepticism about the government's assessment, noting that it is not shared by hill farmers, crofters, or relevant unions. He called for a comprehensive independent impact study.
If the Government are confident in their assessment of the opportunities and threats from this agreement, will they commission an economic and environmental impact assessment, independent of Government, to show that they are correct?
This deal brings new opportunities to agricultural producers, making it easier to trade with New Zealand. It is a gateway to joining the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership—the CPTPP—a high-standard free trade agreement involving 11 Pacific nations. This will create new export opportunities for British farmers to those markets. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, this will be independently scrutinised, and there is obviously the Trade and Agriculture Commission as well.
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Assessment & feedback
Commissioning an independent economic and environmental impact assessment
This Will Be Independently Scrutinised
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative MP acknowledged the concerns of farmers but highlighted potential benefits such as counter-seasonal market access.
Obviously the concerns of farmers and crofters will have to be addressed as the final agreement comes into place, but does my right hon. Friend agree that counter-seasonality offers a huge opportunity for British farmers to enter into agreements with farmers in New Zealand, so that markets across the world can be supplied all year round?
There are certainly opportunities through that to grow the market further still. I also think that we have to dispel some myths. It is not the case that the market is going to be flooded with New Zealand lamb. New Zealand already has tariff-free access through its WTO quota, of which it uses only half.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressing concerns of farmers and crofters directly
Dispel Some Myths
It Is Not The Case
Response accuracy