Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel: Free Trade Agreement

Thursday 29 June 2023 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We are continuing to make progress towards an upgraded UK-Israel free trade agreement, focused on services, procurement and innovation.
  • The second round of negotiations was successfully concluded in London on 17 May.
  • Once the deal is done, we will work with devolved Administrations and bodies to ensure that the benefits of the deal are understood and taken full advantage of.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nicola Richards
Business & Trade
Context

No specific background event, but the context is about progress on negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement with Israel.

Question

What progress has been made on negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement with Israel?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are continuing to make progress towards an upgraded UK-Israel free trade agreement, focused on services, procurement and innovation. The second round of negotiations concluded on 17 May.

Answered
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Q2 Nicola Richards
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The UK's trade with Israel increased by 42% in 2022 compared to 2021, and it is valued at £7.2 billion. The question arises from the need for further strengthening of trade ties.

Question

Can the Minister update the House on the Department's progress on the trade aims outlined in the 2030 road map for UK-Israel bilateral relations, including the establishment of a free trade agreement and related initiatives?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The benefits of the trade agreement are obvious. We have successfully concluded the second round of negotiations in London last month and look forward to further talks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on the establishment of a UK-Israel Investment Group and innovation summit were not provided.

How: My Hon. Friend Is All Over The Numbers, Which Saves Me From Repeating Them.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

Northern Ireland companies are keen to benefit from bilateral trade agreements. Some people and councils wish to downgrade Israel's goods.

Question

Will the Minister tell the House what he is prepared to do to ensure that Israeli goods are promoted right across this great United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Once the deal is done, we will be actively working to ensure that communications about the benefits of the deal are understood by everybody. We will work with devolved Administrations and bodies to take full benefit from these deals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions and timelines for promoting Israeli goods were not provided.

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