Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Trade Policy: US Presidential Election

Thursday 19 November 2020 · 7 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK has made progress on a US trade deal, agreeing major parts of the text and chapters.
  • Government is working with both sides in the US for a beneficial deal and has secured deals with 52 countries including Japan.
  • Confidence exists in integrating strong environmental provisions and green tech in any US-UK trade deal.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Business & Trade
Context

Discusses potential impacts of the US presidential election on UK's trade agreements.

Question

What assessment has been made regarding the effect of the 2020 US presidential election on UK's trade policies?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We have made good progress on our US deal, agreeing the majority of text and chapters. We are working with both sides in the US for a beneficial deal. We have secured deals with 52 countries including Japan, are negotiating with Australia and New Zealand.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the assessment or impacts of the election outcome on UK trade policy

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Q2 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Questions the Secretary of State's focus on a US deal amid criticism from Canada.

Question

If 'global Britain' aims to diversify, why prioritize the US despite criticisms? What confidence exists that Biden will share this priority?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We have secured deals with 52 countries, including Japan. We are negotiating with Australia and New Zealand but it is our largest single trading partner. The criticism from Canada was about bandwidth for focus on the US deal. I am always struck by Opposition Members' anti-Americanism.

Not addressed: Shifted to criticising the opposition rather than addressing priorities and confidence in Biden's policies

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Q3 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Climate
Context

Hopes for climate action post-Trump, seeks commitment to climate provisions in US-UK trade deals.

Question

Given President-elect Biden's stance on climate change, will the Secretary ensure climate co-operation and green tech are central in any US-UK deal?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Of course we will have strong environmental provisions. I am pleased to hear Labour supporting a trade deal with Biden. We are committed to tackling climate change through COP26 and G7 presidencies, putting these in all our trade deals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledged but did not commit directly that environmental provisions will be central

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Q4 Mark Hendrick Labour (Co-op) Preston
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

Raises concern over upsetting major trading partners due to actions like banning Huawei and breaching EU laws.

Question

Given the potential for upsetting global trading partners, how many are prepared to be alienated before harming our economy as much as COVID-19?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We have done deals with 52 countries and are committed to the Good Friday agreement, indicating we will not scupper it in any US-UK deal negotiations.

Not addressed: Focused on specific commitment to the Good Friday agreement rather than addressing concerns about other trade partners

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Q5 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Climate Business & Trade
Context

Hopes for green technology jobs post-Biden, seeks information on what can be included in US-UK deals.

Question

With Biden's focus on climate crisis, will the Secretary elaborate on how green tech and job creation can be integrated into any US-UK trade deal?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We have reduced tariffs on 100 green goods in the UK global tariff. Next year's G7 presidency offers an opportunity to pursue climate change agenda along with COP26 commitments, putting these in all our deals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about integrating green technology into trade deals

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Q6 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Economy Brexit Business & Trade
Context

References government's own best-case scenario suggesting limited growth from US deal, asks about potential losses without an EU agreement.

Question

Given the Government's projection of 0.16% growth over 15 years from a UK-US deal, will she confirm any loss in GDP if we fail to secure an EU agreement?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

A US deal would result in a £15 billion increase in trade and remove tariffs for British companies. We aim to do both deals with the US and EU, unlike Labour's stance on agreeing no deal with the US.

Not addressed: Shifted focus from economic impact of not securing an EU agreement to criticising Labour's position

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Q7 Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Asks Secretary to reconsider arms sale policies in light of Biden's statements on Yemen.

Question

Given Biden's stance against supporting the war in Yemen, will the Secretary revisit UK's policy on arms sales given Saudi Arabia's use?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We have rigorous defence export regimes based on our values in this country, ensuring decisions are made accordingly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reviewing arms sales policy specifically due to Biden's stance

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