Asked by: Danielle Rowley (Labour - Midlothian)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent steps he has taken to ensure that new trade deals do not undermine the UK's existing (a) social and (b) environmental standards after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by George Hollingbery
The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally and this will continue as we leave the EU.
When we leave the European Union, we will maintain our current standards. We will keep our existing UK legislation, and the EU Withdrawal Act will convert EU law into UK law as it applies at the moment of exit.
We’re clear that more trade doesn’t have to come at the expense of labour or the environment. We are exploring all options in the design of future bilateral trade and investment agreements, including possible labour and environmental provisions within these taking into account results of the DIT consultation exercise.
Asked by: Danielle Rowley (Labour - Midlothian)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that new trade deals do not affect the ability of the UK to (a) regulate in the public interest and (b) protect public services.
Answered by George Hollingbery
Protecting the UK’s right to regulate in the public interest and protect public services, including the NHS, is of the utmost importance. The UK’s public services are protected by specific exceptions and reservations in EU trade agreements - including the recent EU-Canada agreement (CETA) - and, as we leave the EU, the UK will continue to ensure that rigorous protections are included in all trade agreements it is party to. The Government has been consistently clear that we are committed to the fundamental principles of the NHS - that it is universal and free at the point of need. We will ensure that no trade agreements alter these fundamental facts.
Asked by: Danielle Rowley (Labour - Midlothian)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential risks to the NHS as a result of future trade deals after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by George Hollingbery
Protecting the UK’s right to regulate in the public interest and protect public services, including the NHS, is of the utmost importance. The UK’s public services are protected by specific exceptions and reservations in EU trade agreements - including the recent EU-Canada agreement (CETA) - and, as we leave the EU, the UK will continue to ensure that rigorous protections are included in all trade agreements it is party to. The Government has been consistently clear that we are committed to the fundamental principles of the NHS - that it is universal and free at the point of need. We will ensure that no trade agreements alter these fundamental facts.
Asked by: Danielle Rowley (Labour - Midlothian)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will take steps to ensure that future trade deals will not make it easier for private companies to provide NHS services.
Answered by George Hollingbery
The UK will continue to ensure that decisions about the NHS are made by UK Governments, including the Devolved Administrations, not our trade partners. The UK will determine whether private companies should be involved in providing services under contract, and if so to what extent. Trade deals will give no greater access for private companies, domestic or overseas, to NHS services.
Asked by: Danielle Rowley (Labour - Midlothian)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the oral statement of 16 July 2018, Official Report, column 41 on trade policy, whether impact assessments for new trade deals will be undertaken by an independent consultant, ex ante; and whether those impact assessments will assess the effect of new trade deals on women and girls in developing countries.
Answered by George Hollingbery
The Government is committed to providing Parliament with timely information about the Government’s approach to trade and investment negotiations and the potential implications of any new agreements. This will include timely analysis at appropriate points. The government is considering options for how best to undertake the analysis.
The Government remains committed to increasing women’s role in trade in the UK and around the world.
Asked by: Danielle Rowley (Labour - Midlothian)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the oral statement of 16 July 2018, Official Report, column 41 on trade policy, what the timescale is for publishing impact assessments; and whether that timescale will effect the final outcome of the provisions in new trade agreements.
Answered by George Hollingbery
The Government is committed to providing Parliament with timely information about the Government’s approach to trade and investment negotiations and the potential implications of any new agreements.
Prior to entering formal negotiations, on any new free trade agreement, the Government will publish high-level objectives accompanied by a scoping assessment.
As negotiations progress, the Government will update Parliament regularly. This will include timely analysis at appropriate points.
At the end of a negotiation, the Government will lay before Parliament an impact assessment alongside any treaty it intends to ratify, as is the current process for treaty ratification.