Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether he has plans to introduce legislative proposals for the Parliamentary oversight of new trade agreements.

The Government is committed to a transparent and inclusive trade policy. In July 2017, the Secretary of State for International Trade set out proposals for Parliament’s role in scrutinising the government’s proposals for new trade deals. This included commitments that Parliament would have the opportunity to consider the Government’s approach to negotiations and receive regular updates throughout negotiations, as well as playing a role in the ratification of trade agreements through the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. Any legislation required to implement a future trade agreement will also be subject to the scrutiny and agreement of Parliament.

My Department is continuing to consider the role Parliament will play in future trade negotiations, including considering the views of the International Trade Committee as set out in their report on this issue on 28 December 2018, as well as the views that have been expressed by other Committees and members of both Houses.

The Government will be bringing forward proposals shortly.