Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Trade Agreement: Australia

Thursday 10 June 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Progress has been made on most elements of a free trade agreement with Australia following recent talks.
  • The Minister assures that high-quality standards for farmers will not be compromised in the trade deal.
  • The agreement aims to maintain food safety, animal welfare, and environmental standards while boosting exports.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Business & Trade
Context

Following two days of intensive discussions during the visit of Dan Tehan, the Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

Question

What progress has been made in securing a free trade agreement with Australia following the recent talks?

Answer from Greg Hands

Following two days of intensive discussions during Dan Tehan's visit, consensus has been reached on most elements of a comprehensive free trade agreement. Both sides are working to agree on outstanding elements with the aim of reaching an agreement in principle this month.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question is raised from Lincolnshire, an area known for agriculture. The MP raises concerns about the impact of a free trade deal with Australia on local farmers.

Question

I am speaking from Lincolnshire, the bread basket of England. Can the Minister assure me that this free trade deal with Australia will ensure a bright future for our farmers and maintain high-quality standards without compromising them?

Answer from Greg Hands

The Minister acknowledges the brilliance of Lincolnshire's agriculture industry in feeding the country and exporting goods. He affirms there will be no compromise on standards, food safety, animal welfare, or environmental concerns in trade deals. The opportunity for increased exports is highlighted, particularly with recent access secured in the Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein deal and future opportunities from joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assurance requested about maintaining standards and not undercutting local farmers was addressed but without concrete commitments or timelines.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)