Multilateral Free Trade
Debate between Lord Blackwell and Lord Leong
Lord Leong (Lab)
My Lords, the general principle is that free trade has benefited many, many countries. It has lifted millions out of poverty globally, and it has brought in many goods at really competitive prices to people across the country, so we should champion free trade. Successive Governments have failed to defend and reinvest in those sectors that have more or less moved away to other countries. We must do more to invest in new manufacturing and the new industries of the future.
Lord Blackwell (Con)
My Lords, the Minister will be aware that the most important and fastest-growing part of UK exports is services. Can he assure us that the Government will put equal emphasis on non-tariff barriers, which tend to restrict service exports?
Lord Leong (Lab)
Absolutely. I assure the noble Lord that services will be included in any of our conversations with our partners.