Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

New Zealand Trade Agreement

Thursday 2 December 2021 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department assessed the UK-New Zealand trade agreement could bring opportunities for UK agricultural producers.
  • Government indicated the trade agreement is a stepping stone towards joining the CPTPP, involving 11 Pacific nations.
  • Concerns about market flooding with New Zealand lamb were addressed, noting New Zealand uses only a fraction of its existing WTO quota.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP raised concerns over the potential impact of the planned UK trade agreement with New Zealand on local farmers and crofters, noting opposition from organisations such as the National Farmers Union.

Question

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact on UK farmers and crofters of the planned UK trade agreement with New Zealand. I draw the House's attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. I have to say to the Minister that her confidence is not shared by hill farmers and crofters, or by the National Farmers Union and the National Farmers Union of Scotland.

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

This deal brings new opportunities to agricultural producers, making it easier to trade with New Zealand. It is a gateway to joining the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership—the CPTPP—a high-standard free trade agreement involving 11 Pacific nations. This will create new export opportunities for British farmers to those markets. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, this will be independently scrutinised, and there is obviously the Trade and Agriculture Commission as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commissioning an independent economic and environmental impact assessment

How: This Will Be Independently Scrutinised

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Brexit Business & Trade Environment
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP expressed scepticism about the government's assessment, noting that it is not shared by hill farmers, crofters, or relevant unions. He called for a comprehensive independent impact study.

Question

If the Government are confident in their assessment of the opportunities and threats from this agreement, will they commission an economic and environmental impact assessment, independent of Government, to show that they are correct?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

This deal brings new opportunities to agricultural producers, making it easier to trade with New Zealand. It is a gateway to joining the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership—the CPTPP—a high-standard free trade agreement involving 11 Pacific nations. This will create new export opportunities for British farmers to those markets. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, this will be independently scrutinised, and there is obviously the Trade and Agriculture Commission as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commissioning an independent economic and environmental impact assessment

How: This Will Be Independently Scrutinised

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Q3 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Conservative MP acknowledged the concerns of farmers but highlighted potential benefits such as counter-seasonal market access.

Question

Obviously the concerns of farmers and crofters will have to be addressed as the final agreement comes into place, but does my right hon. Friend agree that counter-seasonality offers a huge opportunity for British farmers to enter into agreements with farmers in New Zealand, so that markets across the world can be supplied all year round?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

There are certainly opportunities through that to grow the market further still. I also think that we have to dispel some myths. It is not the case that the market is going to be flooded with New Zealand lamb. New Zealand already has tariff-free access through its WTO quota, of which it uses only half.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Addressing concerns of farmers and crofters directly

How: Dispel Some Myths, It Is Not The Case

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