Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Thursday 15 December 2022 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Progress is being made on the UK-Australia free trade agreement despite delays and concerns.
  • Conversations are ongoing with devolved Administrations to address delays and move forward.
  • The UK aims for economic benefits, including a 2.3 billion boost for Australia and over 800 million for New Zealand.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Wales Business & Trade
Context

The UK-Australia free trade deal has faced difficulties, delays in Parliament, and concerns about its impact on Welsh and UK farmers.

Question

What progress has been made on the commencement of the UK-Australia free trade agreement? The deal is beset by difficulties, major delays, and serious concerns for Welsh and UK farmers. Will the Minister explain the delay behind the scenes and discuss business managers' views on the Bill's passage through the House?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are progressing at pace, having conversations with devolved Administrations. The deal will boost the economy by £2.3 billion for Australia and more than £800 million for New Zealand, bringing huge benefits across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reasons for delays in implementing the agreement were not addressed.

How: Let Us Move At Pace, Constructive Conversations With Devolved Administrations

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Q2 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Business & Trade
Context

The UK-Australia deal has faced delays in Parliament, raising concerns about its impact on Welsh and UK farmers.

Question

Will the Minister explain the delay behind the scenes of the UK-Australia free trade agreement? What discussions have been had with business managers regarding delays to the Bill's passage through the House?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are progressing at pace, having conversations with devolved Administrations. The overall enthusiasm is considerable across the UK, with expected economic benefits including a £2.3 billion boost for Australia and more than £800 million for New Zealand.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reasons for delays in implementing the agreement were not addressed.

How: Let Us Move At Pace, Constructive Conversations With Devolved Administrations

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Q3 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Business & Trade
Context

Concerns about the UK's readiness for accession to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership following issues with the Australia deal.

Question

The UK-Australia free trade agreement is a stepping stone to accession to the CPTPP. Given concerns over rushed negotiations, can the Minister assure us that Britain will not be subject to any new secret courts through investor-state dispute settlement?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Discussions with the CPTPP are ongoing, and we are confident in striking a mutually beneficial deal. I advise watching this space for updates.

Not addressed: No assurance was provided regarding avoiding new secret courts through investor-state dispute settlement.

How: Discussions With The Cptpp Are Ongoing, Confident In Striking A Beneficial Deal

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