Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to the speech made by the Secretary of State for International Trade to the American Enterprise Institute of 24th July 2017, what assessment he has made of the effect of the increase in non-tariff barriers to trade between 2010 and 2015 on the UK’s future trade relationship with the EU in the event of the UK's reversion to WTO terms after the UK leaves the EU.

As we move into the second phase of negotiations we are confident of agreeing a bold and ambitious economic partnership with the EU that is of greater scope than any such existing agreement.

The Government is carrying out an ongoing programme of comprehensive analytical work to define our deep and special partnership with the EU and inform our understanding of how EU exit will affect the UK’s domestic policies and frameworks.

We will continue to engage with businesses and industry bodies from all sectors of the economy, and all regions of the UK, in order to inform our negotiations with the EU.

Whilst we will not release information that could be prejudicial to our negotiating position, nor provide a running commentary on the Government’s analysis, Ministers have undertaken to provide analysis of the proposed terms of the agreement ahead of a meaningful vote.