Prime Minister’s Visit to India

Peter Grant Excerpts
Tuesday 26th April 2022

(2 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Vicky Ford Portrait Vicky Ford
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The Prime Minister was on a mission looking at increasing trade between our countries, increasing security and defence at a time of global interest in security and defence, and addressing the issues of climate change and making sure that we help India to deliver on the important promises that it made at COP. I have already told the House that we raise issues of human rights in India at ministerial level, and that we raise consular cases. I think that the hon. Gentleman should welcome that. On Ukraine, I point again to the joint statement that the two Prime Ministers made immediately after their meeting.

Peter Grant Portrait Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)
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Through the European Scrutiny Committee, on which I served for a number of years, when the United Kingdom was a member of the European Union, this House had sight of every trade deal before it was signed. Every trade deal the UK entered into as a member of the EU was subject to the consent of this House. Given that Brexit was about taking back control to this Parliament, can we assume that the Minister will commit that any trade deal with India will be brought back to this House for consideration before it is signed?

Vicky Ford Portrait Vicky Ford
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I can confirm that information on the shape and scope of the free trade agreement will be made available at an appropriate time as negotiations progress.