Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts
Thursday 23rd March 2017

(7 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Liam Fox Portrait Dr Fox
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When we get to the point at which we begin to have those discussions, we will want to take into account a balance between UK producer interests and UK consumer interests, and we will also wish to ensure that we are making a contribution to a global liberal trading environment that benefits everybody.

Desmond Swayne Portrait Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)
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This agreement is potentially of greatest advantage to the least developed countries, in which we have put very considerable investment. Will the Secretary of State continue to drive forward that agenda?

Liam Fox Portrait Dr Fox
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Yes, and we have actually invested a large amount of money in supporting the agreement itself and in ensuring that it can be introduced in as beneficial a way in as many countries and as quickly as possible, because, as my right hon. Friend correctly says, this agreement will have the greatest benefit to some of the poorest countries in the world, which is why the United Kingdom, under Governments of both parties, has been so supportive of it.