Brexit: Commonwealth, Trade and Migration

Debate between Baroness Berridge and Lord Price

Monday 13th March 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Berridge]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of future trade and migration from and to Commonwealth countries after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

[The Minister of State, Department for International Trade (Lord Price) (Con)]

Our links with the Commonwealth are extremely important. We enjoy excellent trading relationships with Commonwealth partners and are committed to strengthening these further. As we leave the EU, openness to international talent will remain one of this country’s most distinctive assets. The process will be managed properly so that our immigration system serves the national interest. The precise arrangements are yet to be determined.

[Lord Mendelsohn (Lab)]

My Lords—

Bilateral Trade: Sri Lanka

Debate between Baroness Berridge and Lord Price

Tuesday 28th February 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Price]

My Lords, I am convinced that, over the next two years, there will be an awful lot of briefings for Members of this House and the other House about our trade arrangements. I reassure noble Lords that at some point we will be able to talk about our trading relationships and trade policy.

[Baroness Berridge (Con)]

My Lords, I am sure that my noble friend the Minister will draw to the attention of fellow Commonwealth Trade Ministers the recent research which revealed that it is about 19% cheaper to trade within Commonwealth countries. But, as the noble Baroness, Lady Symons, outlined, could we please have an assurance that human rights will also be raised at the meeting? If not, we face the same government department having different compartments dealing with different issues, rather than all the issues around the table at the same time.

[Lord Price]

I can give my noble friend that assurance.