Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether she is seeking side letters to enable the UK to derogate from elements of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership during negotiations to accede to that agreement; and if she will make a statement.

Any final decision to join CPTPP will consider the progress of bilateral negotiations with CPTPP members and our confidence that we will be able to negotiate accession on terms compatible with the UK’s broader interests and domestic priorities. If the UK Government decides to formally apply for accession, we will publish our negotiation objectives, an economic scoping assessment, and a formal response to the Government’s public consultation.