House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Transparency and Scrutiny Arrangements for New Free Trade Agreements
07 December 2020 · Department for International Trade
Proposed by Elizabeth Truss Con South West Norfolk
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Minister for International Trade is outlining transparency and scrutiny measures for new free trade agreements with the US, Australia, New Zealand, and proposed CPTPP accession.
- The Government commits to publishing objectives and scoping assessments at the start of negotiations and providing regular briefings to Parliamentarians.
- Impact assessments will accompany signed treaty texts laid in Parliament for scrutiny over 21 sitting days.
Issue summary
The Minister for International Trade is outlining transparency and scrutiny measures for new free trade agreements with the US, Australia, New Zealand, and proposed CPTPP accession.
Action requested
The Government commits to publishing objectives and scoping assessments at the start of negotiations, providing regular briefings to Parliamentarians, and working constructively with relevant Select Committees. Impact assessments will accompany signed treaty texts laid in Parliament for scrutiny over 21 sitting days.
Key facts
- The Government has committed to publishing objectives and scoping assessments at the outset of new Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
- Regular briefings for Parliamentarians are promised to keep them informed during negotiations.
- Impact assessments will cover economic and environmental impacts, published with signed treaty texts laid in Parliament.