Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to reach a free trade agreement with the United States after Brexit; and what impact they estimate a no-deal Brexit would have on trade relations with the United States.

The United States is already our largest trading partner outside the European Union. The UK and US have a close relationship in terms of our trade, financial, cultural and investment links. After leaving the EU in March 2019 we will be able to pursue an ambitious Free Trade Agreement with the US.

In July 2017 my Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade launched the UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group which has since met on five occasions. As well as looking at delivering commercial continuity for UK and US businesses, workers and consumers post-EU exit, this group is laying the groundwork for an ambitious UK-US free Trade Agreement.

Our priority is to ensure there is no disruption to our global trading relationships as we leave the EU. The government will continue to prepare for all eventualities with our trading partners, including the US.