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Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill

16 December 2020

Proposing MP
Greg Hands Con
Chelsea and Fulham
Type
Bill Debate

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill, which aims to ensure continued data sharing and use by government departments and public bodies post-Brexit transition period. Greg Hands discusses the Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill, highlighting constructive engagement with the Welsh Government and commitments on data sharing. The MP discusses the Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill, addressing its necessity and concerns over its timing. The MP is questioning the Minister about the Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill, specifically concerning information sharing within and outside the UK borders, data privacy, and potential impacts on businesses and industries. The statement discusses the Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill and its necessity due to the impending end of the EU transition period. The speaker discusses the need for Parliament to have control over its legislative process, particularly regarding the Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill. The MP is addressing concerns about delays in passing the Trade Bill and lack of assurances on protecting various standards and rights. The statement discusses the Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill and its role in managing trading relationships smoothly, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary scrutiny and the need for comprehensive trade agreements. Greg Hands is addressing concerns about the Trade Bill's scrutiny and timelines, emphasizing its importance for trade agreements and data sharing.

Action Requested

The Minister requests support for the Bill, emphasizing its importance in maintaining border efficiency and mitigating potential friction. He also reassures the House about data security measures included in the legislation.

Key Facts

  • The UK will regain full control of its borders on December 31, 2020.
  • The Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill replicates clauses 8 to 10 from the existing Trade Bill.
  • A border operations centre is being established to monitor and manage flow through the border.
  • The Welsh Government has given legislative consent to the Bill.
  • Constructive engagement with the Welsh Government, particularly via Zoom with Baroness Eluned Morgan.
  • Data shared under clause 2 will be used by the Cabinet Office's border operations centre for strategic insights about trade flow and border functioning.
  • The UK Government commits to consulting devolved Administrations before adding any devolved authorities to the list of specified data-sharing bodies.
  • The Government are bringing forward the legislation due to necessity.
  • The Trade Bill was first brought to the House in 2017 and has been amended since then.
  • Clause 4 of the current Bill contains sunset provisions.
  • The Bill is concerned with information sharing related to trade.
  • Public bodies hold a wide range of data on individuals and corporations.
  • Clause 2(4) relates to HMRC's cross-sharing practices.
  • Clause 2(11) defines 'public authority' as an entity exercising functions of a public nature.
  • There has been speculation about EU proposing pre-emptive tariff regimes in trade discussions.
  • The Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill provides legal basis for information sharing between public authorities.
  • Clause 1(1)(b) permits HMRC to disclose information related to devolved administrations' trade functions.
  • Ivan McKee’s letter on 12 August outlines the Scottish Government's priorities regarding access to HMRC trade microdata.
  • The speaker was initially planning to discuss two pieces of secondary legislation but spoke on this Bill instead.
  • Parliament is facing uncertainty about its business schedule due to the Government's management of processes.
  • The Trade (Disclosure of Information) Bill extracts clauses from an already scrutinized main trade bill, with assurances given that Scottish Government requests have been addressed.
  • Government led people to believe they had an oven-ready trade deal last year.
  • The House has yet to discuss amendments from the other place regarding the Trade Bill.
  • No guarantees have been given on environmental, food, animal welfare and agricultural standards in future deals.
  • The overall passage of the Trade Bill involves approximately 130 hours of scrutiny and debate.
  • The Government is establishing the Border Operations Centre to manage potential disruption caused by new border requirements at transition.
  • Without a comprehensive trade deal, the potential disruption will be far worse after December 31.
  • The Minister welcomes the Opposition's intent to conclude the Trade Bill by January 31, 2021.
  • The HMRC powers were published in 2017 and further powers in July on Report for the Trade Bill.
  • Data shared under the bill includes information already collected with existing GDPR and UK Data Protection Act protections.
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