Oral Answers to Questions

Iain McKenzie Excerpts

Tuesday 17th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

I thank my right hon. Friend and many other hon. Members on both sides of the House who took part in the election observation. The United Kingdom supplied a huge number of observers—10% of the total number—and these were well-conducted elections. The vast majority of Ukrainians were able to vote and they gave a clear and decisive result that should add to the stability of the country and the region.

[Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab)]

14. What recent progress has been made on securing a transatlantic trade and investment treaty.

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

A successful transatlantic trade deal would be worth up to £10 billion a year for this country alone. Negotiations last month went well and we are now working with European and United States counterparts towards the next round in July with a view to securing an ambitious agreement in 2015.

[Mr McKenzie]

What steps are the Government taking to promote this deal, especially in our manufacturing industry in the UK?

[Mr Lidington]

In the conversations that Ministers from all Departments have with representatives of manufacturing, industry and other sectors from all parts of the United Kingdom, we emphasise the opportunities that would be available to them from a successful deal in the transatlantic trade and investment partnership. We are getting a strong, supportive response from all sectors of UK industry.