Topical Questions 2020-10-08
2020-10-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP is asking for an update on the Secretary of State's work over the past month.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. Over the last month, what progress has been made in establishing the UK as an independent, free-trading nation?
Over the last month, we have made significant progress to establish the United Kingdom as an independent, free-trading nation. We have agreed in principle a deal with Japan that goes further and faster than the EU deal in areas such as digital and data, food and drink and financial services. We have set out our pathway to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and yesterday we joined the WTO Government procurement agreement, which gives British businesses access to a £1.3 trillion global market.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP references Israel's innovation in developing a rapid COVID-19 test and asks about the Secretary of State's plans to collaborate with innovative Israeli firms.
Just as Israel has signed a peace treaty with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, it is innovating to create an instant covid-19 test that is currently being trialled at European airports. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to work with innovative Israeli companies in that area?
I congratulate Lord Austin on becoming the new trade envoy to Israel. We have already signed a continuity FTA with Israel, and we want to go further in a new free trade agreement in areas such as tech, digital and data. We are two tech superpowers, and there is huge opportunity for British businesses and Israeli businesses to work more closely together.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlights the differences between a Canada-style EU trade deal and what the UK Government is proposing, specifically regarding environmental protection, workers' rights, and state aid.
I was listening to the Secretary of State on the “Today” programme yesterday morning, when she twice repeated the Government's mantra of wanting a trade deal with the EU just like Canada's. But the Government will not agree to non-regression clauses on environmental protection or workers' rights, both of which are in the comprehensive economic and trade agreement—the trade deal between Canada and the EU. The Government also will not commit on state aid beyond WTO rules, while CETA contains stronger agreements on subsidies. Could the Secretary of State share with the House whether the Government are planning to change course and accept those provisions in their deal with the EU, or will she just admit that they do not really want a Canada-style deal at all?
The reality is that what the EU is demanding goes far beyond Canada in terms of an ex-ante regime on state aid, as well as alignment with rules and regulations. We will not accept that. The Labour party would not even accept a Canada-style deal with Canada.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Non-regression clauses for environmental protection and workers' rights were not directly addressed.
The Reality Is...
Labour Party...
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP emphasizes the importance of free markets and capitalism as key drivers for reducing poverty, asking how trade can support African countries' development.
It is an undisputed fact that capitalism and free markets are the surest route out of poverty. Can my right hon. Friend update the House on how the Department is using trade to boost development in Africa?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Before I returned to the Department, I was the chair of the trade out of poverty all-party parliamentary group in this place. We have achieved duty free, quota free access for 39 African countries, and only yesterday the Prime Minister appointed 11 new Africa trade envoys.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP questions the UK's readiness to negotiate a US trade deal without understanding the extent of its future regulatory independence from EU standards.
May I ask the Secretary of State how she can agree the terms of a trade deal with the United States Government when neither they nor we currently know the extent to which the UK's regulatory framework will be permitted to diverge from the European Union's?
We are absolutely committed that we are going to have our own independent regulatory regime, and we are no longer going to be permanently aligned with the EU. We have made that very clear: that was the point of Brexit.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The extent of regulatory divergence and its impact on negotiations were not addressed directly.
We Are Absolutely Committed...
That Was The Point...
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlights Stockton's historical innovation and asks how future FTAs can support the export of innovative products.
Stockton is a town of firsts—be it the first passenger railway or the invention of the friction match. How will our future trade agreements help the latest generation of innovators export across the globe?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Innovation has always given our businesses an edge. Virtual reality and 3D specialist Amazing Interactives in my hon. Friend's constituency is an example of how innovation can continue to take business and exports forward. Today's innovators, like Amazing Interactives, will benefit from our new FTAs.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP mentions the impact of US tariffs on Scottish single malt whisky and asks why this is not a priority in negotiations.
Macallan single malt whisky bottled at Edrington in my constituency is just one of many iconic Scottish products suffering under the 25% US trade tariffs. A year down the line, can the Secretary of State explain why single malt whisky is not at the top of our US negotiating list?
I am absolutely determined to get these tariffs removed. The reality is that the European Union, which the hon. Lady and her colleagues want to rejoin, has failed to sort out this issue with Airbus for 15 years. We now have an opportunity—we have an independent tariff policy starting next year—and I am determined to get those tariffs removed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The prioritization of single malt whisky in negotiations was not addressed directly, and the EU's role in previous efforts was referenced instead.
The Reality Is...
Which The Hon. Lady...
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquires about how new free trade agreements can help businesses in his constituency expand their global reach.
Businesses in Warrington South tell me they want to do more business around the world. Can my hon. Friend tell me and the House how they can do that with the benefit of our new free trade agreements?
I know that many businesses in Warrington are already flying the flag. Earlier this week, I was delighted to learn that Warrington's ICC Solutions has secured a deal with a major US acquiring bank so that its technology will be used to make card payments safer in America. This company does great work as one of our export champions too. Ultimately, FTAs are going to create better jobs, higher wages, more choice and lower prices for all parts of our country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specifics on how Warrington businesses will benefit from FTAs were not provided in detail.
I Know That Many...
This Company...
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
▸
Context
UK has been supporting EU sanctions on Russia over Crimea annexation.
The UK has supported EU sanctions on Russia regarding the illegal annexation of Crimea, which the government reiterated in written statements this year. Does the Secretary of State see a need to apply similar principles when dealing with trade involving illegal Israeli settlements?
Sanctions are managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The UK has been robust in opposing the illegal annexation of Ukraine by Russia at all forums.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific obligation to apply similar principles for Israeli settlements was not addressed directly.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q10
Direct Answer
▸
Context
North Cornwall has shellfish fisheries hoping to benefit from new trading independence.
I would like to congratulate the Secretary of State and her team on their progress in areas such as the Japanese free trade deal. North Cornwall's shellfish industry hopes for growth due to our new trading freedom. Can the Department consider potential opportunities for crab and seafood exports to Asian countries such as Korea and Taiwan?
There are significant opportunities for Cornish seafood in Japan, Korea, and across Asia. The UK-Japan deal will see tariffs reduced on salmon, and the sardine recognised properly. A webinar is scheduled for 26 October to help exporters, including crab exporters, access the Japanese market.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Conservative party was supportive of animal welfare provisions in EU trade deals but lacks UK legislation now.
I have received many representations on food safety and animal welfare. The Conservative Party wanted to include these provisions in EU trade deals, as stated in the 2015 manifesto. Why are they not included in UK law now?
In each deal, key issues such as animal welfare are considered and the farming industry is consulted closely. Each deal will be scrutinised by the International Trade Committee with independent verification of its implications for animal welfare.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific importance for UK legislation was not addressed directly.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Scottish businesses want to trade internationally despite opposition from the SNP.
Despite Scottish National party Members' efforts, Scottish companies wish to engage in global trade. What are the Government doing to enable this?
Last week I announced a new trade hub in Edinburgh which will support Scottish businesses. The UK Export Finance provides assistance, and FTAs offer access to over 105 markets globally.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Over five years, the UK has sold £6.5 billion worth of arms to Yemen despite a humanitarian crisis.
We have had five years of a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen with £6.5 billion worth of licensed arm sales by the Government and only £1 billion in aid. The UN says there is consistent harm caused, so why prioritise arms profits over aiding civilians?
Her Majesty's Government takes their arms export responsibilities seriously and assesses exports based on strict licensing criteria, including reports from NGOs.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific prioritisation was not addressed directly.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q14
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There is a proposal for an East Midlands airport to become a free port.
I heard the Secretary of State discuss the benefits of free ports on radio, and there is a bid for one at East Midlands Airport. Does the Minister agree this could have a transformative effect in the region?
If allocation was based purely on MP advocacy, my hon. Friend's area would certainly get one. Yesterday, HM Treasury published guidance outlining how free ports will help level up the UK economy.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Farmers across the UK will demonstrate in Parliament Square regarding future food standards and animal welfare provisions.
On Monday, farmers from across the UK will protest in Parliament Square about food standards and animal welfare. Will the Secretary of State meet them to hear their concerns directly?
I have met farmers from across the UK, and we are conducting a series of regional meetings with MPs and farmers through the Trade and Agriculture Commission for advice on free trade deals.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Directly meeting all protesting farmers was not confirmed.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Welsh Government has not been permitted to negotiate with the EU, leading to concerns about tariffs and border controls affecting Welsh lamb exports. Farmers who supported leaving the EU now face potential economic losses.
If Welsh farmers find themselves facing tariffs and border controls on lamb due to a poorly negotiated deal by the UK government, will compensation be provided through the Welsh Government?
Both the Farmers' Union of Wales and the National Farmers Union Wales are represented on the Trade and Agriculture Commission to ensure full voice for Welsh farmers in future trade agreements. Under the recent Japan deal, Welsh lamb is now recognised as a geographical indicator, and we are working hard to get lamb into the US market. There are numerous opportunities for Welsh lamb farmers that we are pursuing vigorously.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about compensation was not addressed.
Both The Farmers' Union Of Wales And The National Farmers Union Wales Are Represented On The Trade And Agriculture Commission To Ensure Full Voice For Welsh Farmers In Future Trade Agreements.
Response accuracy