Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Debate between Geraint Davies and Matt Hancock

Thursday 15th January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Geraint Davies]

Does the Minister agree that there is a strong case for a trade relationship with Africa, particularly north Africa, given that a lot of the pressure for migration comes from inequality? We should be sharing the fruits of global trade rather than hoarding it for the rich nations.

[Matthew Hancock]

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly, not just about Africa but about progress on the India trade deal. This raising from grinding poverty of billions of people has come about because they have been able to access the world market economy. That is a vital way of fighting poverty around the world.

--- Later in debate ---

[Matthew Hancock]

The Health Secretary has already made it clear that if a trade deal threatened the NHS, he would not support it. However, as the former Trade Commissioner has said:

“Public services are always exempted”.

I am glad that we can finally put that issue to bed. I doubt that Labour Front Benchers will raise it again, because they now know that they would be misleading the nation if they did so.

[Geraint Davies]

Would the Minister sign a deal without ISDS? Does he think that ISDS is a necessary part of TTIP?

[Matthew Hancock]

The reason for the inclusion of ISDS is to make sure that people who want to make investments have the confidence do so because they know that recourse is available.

In the couple of minutes remaining, I want to address the issue of scrutiny. As my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) has said, there has been huge scrutiny and engagement, including four debates in both Houses; four Select Committee inquiries; regular updates to the Chair of the European Scrutiny Committee and the chair of the all-party group on TTIP, the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey); regular stakeholder meetings; endless piles of letters that I and the Minister for Trade and Investment have signed; constant consultation with the European Parliament; four online public consultations by the Commission; and we even have a TTIP roadshow.

Let no one be in any doubt: enormous consultation is taking place both inside and outside this House. The commissioners have come to this Palace. Last week, 150 pages of text, eight proposals for legal text and 15 position papers were published. Following the passage of this motion, we will ensure that I and other Ministers continue to engage with this House.

Let us once more assume our historic role as the pioneers of free trade, not only for the sake of the British people, but for the sake of all people around the world for whom liberty and prosperity go hand in hand.

Jobs and Growth

Debate between Geraint Davies and Matt Hancock

Wednesday 12th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Geraint Davies]

Will the Chief Secretary give way?

[Matthew Hancock]

Will my right hon. Friend give way?

The Economy

Debate between Geraint Davies and Matt Hancock

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Geraint Davies]

The situation there is that the Germans are very focused on ensuring that their economy is focused on the growth of the developing economies of China and India. Obviously, there is a difference in the complexion of the German health service. The real focus is on generating export-driven growth, and that is what has happened.

[Matthew Hancock]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Geraint Davies]

No, I will not.

Let me give an example. Every business in Germany is tied into a chamber of commerce, and every chamber of commerce is required to provide tailor-made apprenticeships and training to focus on industrial growth. We do not have that. There is a lot to learn, and we should go out and learn it. We should focus on growth and stop making these ridiculous cuts.