United States: Trade Deal

Debate between Lord Aberdare and Baroness Manzoor

Wednesday 6th March 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Manzoor]

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that question. The USA is already our largest single-country trading partner. Trade between us is worth more than £180 billion and accounts for one-fifth of UK exports. We have been clear that any future deal with the US must work for UK consumers, farmers and companies, as well as ensuring food safety, animal welfare standards and environmental protection. As I said, it is too soon to say exactly what will be included in the future UK-US deal, but we are committed to reaching a high-quality, high-standards deal—

[Noble Lords]

Oh!

[Baroness Manzoor]

And, if I may for a second, in relation to the—

Brexit: Insulin Supplies

Debate between Lord Aberdare and Baroness Manzoor

Thursday 24th January 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Manzoor]

My Lords, of course it is important that we give assurances to all patients, irrespective of whether they are insulin users. The Government have given that assurance. We have made strong contingency plans to ensure that supplies come into the UK unhindered. The noble Lord is right: based on the regulators’ licensing data from early 2018, three-quarters of medicine is imported via the EU. I cannot give copper-bottomed guarantees; there are no such things as guarantees in life, but I can—

[Noble Lords]

Oh!

[Baroness Manzoor]

Please—the Government take this issue very seriously and have put in place proper contingency plans. I am assured, as a diabetic, that those plans are suitable.