Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Trade Agreements

Wednesday 28 April 2021 · 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 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robin Millar asked about recent discussions on opportunities for Scotland from new free trade agreements.
  • The Minister responded that the UK Government has already signed trade deals with 67 countries worth 218 billion a year.
  • The Minister agreed that a new free trade agreement with Australia presents a significant opportunity for Scottish exporters of agricultural products and food and drink producers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robin Millar
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Discussions on potential economic benefits of new free trade agreements for Scotland.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential opportunities for Scotland arising from new free trade agreements?

Answer from Alister Jack

I regularly discuss with my Cabinet colleagues opportunities for Scotland arising from the signing of trade deals. This Government have already struck deals with 67 countries around the world worth £218 billion a year, including with Canada, Japan and Singapore—with many more to come. This will create new markets for Scotland's exporters, including our world-leading food and drink sector.

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Q2 Robin Millar
Business & Trade
Context

Opportunities for Scottish and Welsh exporters of agricultural products in the new free trade agreement.

Question

A new free trade agreement with Australia is now in sight for the UK. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is a tremendous opportunity for exporters of agricultural products, and food and drink producers, across Scotland and Wales?

Answer from Alister Jack

My hon. Friend is right about that and he is right to welcome the breakthroughs over the past few days with the Australian Government. Businesses in Scotland exported goods worth over £352 million to Australia in 2019, and reducing tariff barriers for our world-class food and drink industry could bolster Scotch whisky exports to Australia. As the Secretary of State for International Trade made clear at the weekend, this deal will be based on fair competition, maintaining our high standards and providing excellent, exciting opportunities for British products.

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