Free Trade Agreement United States 2020-10-08
2020-10-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from ongoing negotiations between the UK and US for a new trade deal. The context is that these discussions are critical as they impact UK's post-Brexit economic strategy.
What progress has been made in the Government's trade talks with the United States?
We are making good progress on a deal with the United States. We have just finished round 4 of the negotiations and we are discussing detailed tariffs and texts. We will carry on working right up until 30 October, just before the presidential election.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Following the initial question, this supplementary query focuses on ensuring bipartisan support in the US for a UK-US trade agreement post-election.
Does the Secretary of State agree that it is important to continue working with both Republicans and Democrats to secure a comprehensive deal regardless of the election outcome?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right—[Interruption.] The Opposition are laughing at our largest single country trading partner, because they frankly do not care about the jobs generated or about the opportunities from expanding our relationship with the US. We are in discussions with senior Republicans and senior Democrats to ensure that there is full support for a US-UK trade deal right across the United States political spectrum.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not provide specific information on current cross-party efforts or agreements but rather criticized opposition members.
Criticising The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The concern is raised about how the UK's proposed legislation to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement may affect ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.
Does the Secretary of State agree that US trade talks will be dead in the water if the UK Internal Market Bill passes, due to lack of Congressional support?
We have been absolutely clear with all our trading partners and, indeed, with the EU that we are committed to the Good Friday agreement. We are committed to having no hard border on the island of Ireland, and on that basis we are progressing talks with the United States.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not address whether the bill would affect US trade negotiations but instead reaffirmed commitments to other agreements.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses specific issues regarding the inclusion or exclusion of topics like digital services tax and hormone-treated beef in UK-US trade discussions.
Can the Trade Secretary confirm that she told her US counterparts that dropping the digital services tax is contingent on them not insisting on market access for their hormone-injected beef?
I would caution the hon. Gentleman that not absolutely everything published in The Mail on Sunday is the gospel truth. I hope that, over time, he learns that. Let us be clear that the digital services tax is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer in this country, not a matter for the trade talks, and that food safety regulations are a matter for the Food Standards Agency in this country, and not part of the trade talks.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not confirm or deny if such an offer was made but instead dismissed the question with criticism.
Criticising Media Reports
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the economic opportunities arising from establishing a free port near an existing aviation company, aiming to boost bilateral trade between the UK and the United States.
What assessment has been made regarding the potential for a free trade corridor involving Teesside international airport and a proposed River Tees free port in terms of US-UK economic growth?
I know that my hon. Friend is a staunch advocate of free ports, especially one in Teesside, and I know he will have been delighted by the announcement yesterday from the Chancellor that there will be 10 new free ports across the United Kingdom by the end of 2021, bringing more trade, more opportunities and more growth to areas right across the nation.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not provide a specific assessment but instead referred to a general announcement about free ports.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy