Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Andrew Percy

Tuesday 21st June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

We are very clear that it is for the Indian and Pakistani Governments to find a long-term solution to Kashmir.

[Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con)]

Canada is a key partner, and this morning I met the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Nathan Cooper, who is keen to emphasise the potential for Alberta to help the UK through its present energy crisis. What is the Foreign Secretary doing to further deepen our relationship with Canada?

[Elizabeth Truss]

Canada is one of our closest allies. It is a fellow member of the G7, NATO and the Commonwealth, and we will shortly be joining it in the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership. I speak regularly to my Canadian counterpart, and we are looking together at how we can bolster our energy security, in areas such as the one that my hon. Friend mentioned but also in the area of nuclear co-operation.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Andrew Percy

Thursday 18th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con)]

What recent discussions she has had with her Canadian counterpart on a free trade agreement with that country.

[The Secretary of State for International Trade (Elizabeth Truss)]

I spoke to my Canadian counterpart Mary Ng last week, and we talked about progressing our bilateral trade and working together to promote free trade across the world.

[Andrew Percy]

Bilateral trade between the UK and Canada is worth £20 billion a year. It grew exponentially following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. In comparison, our bilateral trade with New Zealand is worth £3 billion a year. We have opened formal negotiations with New Zealand on a new trade agreement. Can we not go further with Canada and seek something much more comprehensive than simply a roll-over of CETA?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I know that my hon. Friend is committed to Canada, having served as trade envoy and done a fantastic job. As part of our ambitious free trade agreement programme, we announced yesterday our intention to accede to the CPTPP, which is an advanced trade agreement covering chapters such as data and digital and goes far beyond what the EU has been willing to agree. Canada is one of the key players in the CPTPP, alongside countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (Accession)

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Andrew Percy

Wednesday 17th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

The NHS is not on the table. The price the NHS pays for drugs is not on the table.

[Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con)]

I welcome the accession to the CPTPP, which could be good news for UK dairy farmers. Canada, which is a member, has a lot of unused quota and there are not many other dairy producers in the partnership, so there is a huge opportunity for UK dairy there. More important, though, is transitioning the EU-Canada comprehensive economic and trade agreement, because this will be a medium to long-term ambition. Where are we on the transition arrangement for CETA?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I had a good conversation with my Canadian counterpart, Mary Ng, last week to talk about, first, our mutual commitment to free trade, but also how we are going to improve our trading relationship with Canada.