Topical Questions

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Over the last month, we have made significant progress to establish the United Kingdom as an independent, free-trading nation. We have agreed in principle a deal with Japan that goes further and faster than the EU deal in areas such as digital and data, food and drink and financial services. We have set out our pathway to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and yesterday we joined the WTO Government procurement agreement, which gives British businesses access to a £1.3 trillion global market.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I congratulate Lord Austin on becoming the new trade envoy to Israel. We have already signed a continuity FTA with Israel, and we want to go further in a new free trade agreement in areas such as tech, digital and data. We are two tech superpowers, and there is huge opportunity for British businesses and Israeli businesses to work more closely together.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

The reality is that what the EU is demanding goes far beyond Canada in terms of an ex-ante regime on state aid, as well as alignment with rules and regulations. We will not accept that. The Labour party would not even accept a Canada-style deal with Canada.

Answer from Greg Hands

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Before I returned to the Department, I was the chair of the trade out of poverty all-party parliamentary group in this place. We have achieved duty free, quota free access for 39 African countries, and only yesterday the Prime Minister appointed 11 new Africa trade envoys.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We are absolutely committed that we are going to have our own independent regulatory regime, and we are no longer going to be permanently aligned with the EU. We have made that very clear: that was the point of Brexit.

Answer from Graham Stuart

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Innovation has always given our businesses an edge. Virtual reality and 3D specialist Amazing Interactives in my hon. Friend's constituency is an example of how innovation can continue to take business and exports forward. Today's innovators, like Amazing Interactives, will benefit from our new FTAs.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I am absolutely determined to get these tariffs removed. The reality is that the European Union, which the hon. Lady and her colleagues want to rejoin, has failed to sort out this issue with Airbus for 15 years. We now have an opportunity—we have an independent tariff policy starting next year—and I am determined to get those tariffs removed.

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

I know that many businesses in Warrington are already flying the flag. Earlier this week, I was delighted to learn that Warrington's ICC Solutions has secured a deal with a major US acquiring bank so that its technology will be used to make card payments safer in America. This company does great work as one of our export champions too. Ultimately, FTAs are going to create better jobs, higher wages, more choice and lower prices for all parts of our country.

Answer from Greg Hands

Sanctions are managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The UK has been robust in opposing the illegal annexation of Ukraine by Russia at all forums.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

There are significant opportunities for Cornish seafood in Japan, Korea, and across Asia. The UK-Japan deal will see tariffs reduced on salmon, and the sardine recognised properly. A webinar is scheduled for 26 October to help exporters, including crab exporters, access the Japanese market.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

In each deal, key issues such as animal welfare are considered and the farming industry is consulted closely. Each deal will be scrutinised by the International Trade Committee with independent verification of its implications for animal welfare.

Answer from Graham Stuart

Last week I announced a new trade hub in Edinburgh which will support Scottish businesses. The UK Export Finance provides assistance, and FTAs offer access to over 105 markets globally.

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

Her Majesty's Government takes their arms export responsibilities seriously and assesses exports based on strict licensing criteria, including reports from NGOs.

Answer from Graham Stuart

If allocation was based purely on MP advocacy, my hon. Friend's area would certainly get one. Yesterday, HM Treasury published guidance outlining how free ports will help level up the UK economy.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I have met farmers from across the UK, and we are conducting a series of regional meetings with MPs and farmers through the Trade and Agriculture Commission for advice on free trade deals.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Both the Farmers' Union of Wales and the National Farmers Union Wales are represented on the Trade and Agriculture Commission to ensure full voice for Welsh farmers in future trade agreements. Under the recent Japan deal, Welsh lamb is now recognised as a geographical indicator, and we are working hard to get lamb into the US market. There are numerous opportunities for Welsh lamb farmers that we are pursuing vigorously.