Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-India Trade Agreement

Thursday 15 July 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister devised the enhanced trade partnership concept last year.
  • The Prime Minister agreed the ETP with India on 4 May.
  • The Minister agrees that a trade deal will benefit British goods and businesses.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andy Carter
Business & Trade
Context

The question arises in the context of recent work by the Department to establish a new trade relationship with India. The UK seeks to strengthen economic ties and leverage the growing Indian market.

Question

What recent progress her Department has made on negotiating a free trade agreement with India?

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

I was delighted to devise the enhanced trade partnership concept last year, and after much work across Government, the Prime Minister agreed the ETP with his counterpart on 4 May. Trade with India has averaged around £20 billion over recent years, and with its population bigger than those of the EU and US combined, the scope for growth is great, so I am looking forward to discussing our future trade deal with my new counterpart very soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on the free trade agreement negotiations and future commitments were not provided

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Q2 Andy Carter
Business & Trade
Context

Building on the previous exchange, the MP highlights specific industries and regions that could benefit from an enhanced trade relationship with India. The focus is on showcasing diverse areas of business growth.

Question

I warmly welcome the work the Minister is doing to secure a trade agreement with the world's fastest growing economy. Does he agree that a trade deal with India will open the door for British goods—whisky from Scotland, fine wines from the vineyards of south Wales and handcrafted gin from Warrington, the best in the world?

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

I am in absolute agreement with my hon. Friend and I must make a visit to Warrington to sample some of this superb gin. India is projected to be the world's second largest economy by 2037, so the opportunities for British businesses, from financial services to pharmaceuticals, form food and drink to film and music, are huge. This people's Government are determined to make sure that every corner of our country benefits from international trade, securing growth and creating jobs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While confirming broad agreement, the Minister did not provide specific commitments or details on how various industries will benefit

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