Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 7 November 2017 to Question 110770, on trade agreements; what representations he has received from organisations representing businesses on prioritising a trade deal with (a) the EU and (b) other countries close to agreeing a deal with the EU.

The Government recently published a White Paper in which stakeholders were encouraged to share their views on a future UK trade policy. Representations received from organisations representing businesses include the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), British Retail Consortium, National Farmers Union, Design Council,the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and the Manufactures’ Organisation (EEF). The Government will continue to engage with and listen to the views of stakeholders throughout the development of the UK's future trade policy.