Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kemi Badenoch and Andrew Selous

Thursday 18th May 2023 Commons Chamber

[Kemi Badenoch]

I believe that the hon. Gentleman is referring to investor dispute settlement mechanisms. We have used them in this country for many years, and that has protected British companies. He is wrong about the CPTPP not bringing much economic growth to the country—it will bring billions. We have repeatedly explained that the statistic he quoted is being misused. It does not take into account the growth of the bloc or the future GDP growth of those countries. We should be congratulating all our officials for the hard work they did in negotiating the agreements rather than criticising them.

[Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)]

6. What steps her Department is taking to support the critical minerals industry.