Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Trade Agreement: New Zealand

Thursday 8 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • A free trade agreement with New Zealand is a priority for the UK.
  • Trade negotiators from the UK and New Zealand held negotiations in July 2020 and another round began on October 19th.
  • The Secretary of State speaks regularly with the New Zealand Trade Minister and participated in a webinar with New Zealand businesses to strengthen ties.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Karl McCartney Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is inquiring about the progress made on a free trade deal with New Zealand, following initial negotiations in July and October of 2020.

Question

What progress has been made in securing a free trade agreement with New Zealand?

Answer from Greg Hands (Minister for Exports and International Investment, Minister of State for Asia)

A free trade agreement with New Zealand is a priority. Trade negotiators from the UK and New Zealand held negotiations in July 2020 and another round began on October 19th. The Secretary of State speaks regularly with the New Zealand Trade Minister, and there was a recent webinar with New Zealand businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific progress or commitments towards finalizing the agreement were not provided

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Q2 Karl McCartney Con
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP reflects on his past work with the Prime Minister's former role in London and seeks further strengthening of commercial and political ties between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK post-Brexit.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to go further to strengthen commercial and political ties between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, seizing chances presented by Brexit?

Answer from Greg Hands (Minister for Exports and International Investment, Minister of State for Asia)

The Secretary of State speaks regularly with the New Zealand Trade Minister. I did a webinar recently with New Zealand businesses to strengthen ties. We want a cutting-edge deal as soon as possible. The comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership may help in broadening relationships.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete plans or specific commitments on strengthening commercial and political ties were not given

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