Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will take steps to ensure that DG Trade in the European Commission meets more environmental interest groups from the UK to discuss the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations.

The European Commission has been extensively consulting and reporting back as negotiations progress on the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), for example through the establishment of their own expert advisory group, an open door policy for meetings with interested parties, and stakeholder events open to all interest groups during each round of negotiations. The Trade Commissioner and his senior officials have also contributed extensively to engagement in the UK, by providing evidence to the House of Lords during their enquiry into TTIP and by speaking at meetings and events organised both by the Government and stakeholders. We support their approach, and are happy to continue to encourage them to consult extensively.