UK Trade Policy US Presidential Election 2020-11-19
2020-11-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discusses potential impacts of the US presidential election on UK's trade agreements.
What assessment has been made regarding the effect of the 2020 US presidential election on UK's trade policies?
We have made good progress on our US deal, agreeing the majority of text and chapters. We are working with both sides in the US for a beneficial deal. We have secured deals with 52 countries including Japan, are negotiating with Australia and New Zealand.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the assessment or impacts of the election outcome on UK trade policy
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Questions the Secretary of State's focus on a US deal amid criticism from Canada.
If 'global Britain' aims to diversify, why prioritize the US despite criticisms? What confidence exists that Biden will share this priority?
We have secured deals with 52 countries, including Japan. We are negotiating with Australia and New Zealand but it is our largest single trading partner. The criticism from Canada was about bandwidth for focus on the US deal. I am always struck by Opposition Members' anti-Americanism.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted to criticising the opposition rather than addressing priorities and confidence in Biden's policies
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Hopes for climate action post-Trump, seeks commitment to climate provisions in US-UK trade deals.
Given President-elect Biden's stance on climate change, will the Secretary ensure climate co-operation and green tech are central in any US-UK deal?
Of course we will have strong environmental provisions. I am pleased to hear Labour supporting a trade deal with Biden. We are committed to tackling climate change through COP26 and G7 presidencies, putting these in all our trade deals.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged but did not commit directly that environmental provisions will be central
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Raises concern over upsetting major trading partners due to actions like banning Huawei and breaching EU laws.
Given the potential for upsetting global trading partners, how many are prepared to be alienated before harming our economy as much as COVID-19?
We have done deals with 52 countries and are committed to the Good Friday agreement, indicating we will not scupper it in any US-UK deal negotiations.
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Assessment & feedback
Focused on specific commitment to the Good Friday agreement rather than addressing concerns about other trade partners
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Hopes for green technology jobs post-Biden, seeks information on what can be included in US-UK deals.
With Biden's focus on climate crisis, will the Secretary elaborate on how green tech and job creation can be integrated into any US-UK trade deal?
We have reduced tariffs on 100 green goods in the UK global tariff. Next year's G7 presidency offers an opportunity to pursue climate change agenda along with COP26 commitments, putting these in all our deals.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about integrating green technology into trade deals
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
References government's own best-case scenario suggesting limited growth from US deal, asks about potential losses without an EU agreement.
Given the Government's projection of 0.16% growth over 15 years from a UK-US deal, will she confirm any loss in GDP if we fail to secure an EU agreement?
A US deal would result in a £15 billion increase in trade and remove tariffs for British companies. We aim to do both deals with the US and EU, unlike Labour's stance on agreeing no deal with the US.
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Assessment & feedback
Shifted focus from economic impact of not securing an EU agreement to criticising Labour's position
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Asks Secretary to reconsider arms sale policies in light of Biden's statements on Yemen.
Given Biden's stance against supporting the war in Yemen, will the Secretary revisit UK's policy on arms sales given Saudi Arabia's use?
We have rigorous defence export regimes based on our values in this country, ensuring decisions are made accordingly.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing arms sales policy specifically due to Biden's stance
Response accuracy