Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Trade Agreement: India

Thursday 30 January 2025 · 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

  • Bob Blackman inquired about ensuring access to the services market in India during trade talks.
  • Douglas McAllister asked the Minister to ensure that trade talks include the release of his constituent Jagtar Singh Johal from arbitrary detention in India.
  • The Minister stated that the UK remains committed to encouraging India to make faster progress on resolving Jagtar Singh Johal's case.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Business & Trade
Context

The previous Government had more than 15 rounds of trade talks with India before the general election, in both India and the UK. There is a specific concern about access to the services market in India which has previously been denied to UK firms.

Question

I thank my constituency neighbour for that update. The previous Government had more than 15 rounds of trade talks with India before the general election, in both India and the UK. Will the Government ensure that we in the UK gain access to the services market in India, which has previously been denied to UK firms? That is the key issue in our negotiations.

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)

We are determined to do everything we can to secure a trade deal with India. However, I am not providing a running commentary on our priorities for those trade talks with India as they represent a significant prize for the UK if we can reach an agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify whether access to the services market would be prioritized or guaranteed in negotiations.

How: Not Providing A Running Commentary On Priorities

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Q2 Douglas McAllister Lab West Dunbartonshire
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

A constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, is arbitrarily detained in India. There are concerns about the progress being made on this case.

Question

Although it is appreciated that a new trade deal with India could support jobs and prosperity in the UK and thus drive growth, will the Minister ensure that the talks include discussion of an agreement to the immediate release of my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal from arbitrary detention in India before any trade deal is concluded?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)

We remain committed to encouraging the Government of India to make faster progress on resolving this case. My right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister raised this case with Prime Minister Modi on 18 November, and we have made clear the need for faster progress towards a resolution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify whether the talks would include discussion of an agreement for Jagtar Singh Johal's release.

How: Not Specifying Inclusion In Talks

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