Oral Answers to Questions

Gagan Mohindra Excerpts

Thursday 25th February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con)]

What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on trade priorities for the UK’s G7 presidency.

[Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con)]

What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on trade priorities for the UK’s G7 presidency.

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

The United Kingdom has a huge opportunity, with the presidency of the G7 this year and the election of Dr Ngozi as World Trade Organisation director general, to drive forward free and fair trade. This is more important than ever as we seek to recover from covid and address the issues with the WTO. We hope to make good progress ahead of the ministerial conference in December.

[Mr Mohindra [V]]

May I once again commend my right hon. Friend for the excellent work she and her team have done to date? Can she advise the House what she will be looking to achieve under the trade track?

[Elizabeth Truss]

Under the trade track, there will be an opportunity for G7 democracies to work together to help to reform free and fair global trade and shape a bold vision for recovery. In particular, we want to make progress on key issues such as challenging unfair industrial subsidies, dealing with carbon leakage and promoting digital trade.