Call for evidence on UK-Japan trade negotiations launched

Thursday 25 Jun 2020 @ 15:33
Parliamentary Committees and Public Enquiries

The House of Lords International Agreements Sub-Committee has today launched a further inquiry, seeking evidence on the ongoing UK-Japan trade negotiations.

Background

As negotiations between the UK and Japan over a free trade agreement progress, the committee is seeking evidence on a range of issues, including an initial focus on the automotive sector, and trade in digital goods and services.

The committee is asking for submissions of written evidence to be received by Monday 31 August.

Chair’s comments

Lord Goldsmith QC, Chair of the International Agreements Sub-Committee, said:

"Following the recent launch of our inquiry on US-UK trade negotiations, we are now looking to take evidence on another major priority for the Government, UK-Japan negotiations.

"Japan is the UK's 4th largest non-EU export market, with trade between the two countries flourishing. As the UK is set to leave the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) when the transition period ends, the Government aims to agree a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan that builds on the EU-Japan EPA to keep trade between the two countries flowing.

"With negotiations now underway, we are seeking evidence related to several areas in order to inform our scrutiny of any potential deal. The Government’s scoping assessment suggests that there will be particular benefits for Scotland and the East Midlands, as well as London, and we'd be especially interested to hear evidence from people, businesses and organisations in those areas."

Questions the committee is inviting evidence on include:

General

Does the Department for International Trade (DIT) have the right objectives in mind for UK-Japan negotiations?
How reliable do you find the DIT’s assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed agreement with the Japan?
How might Japanese investment in the UK be impacted by a UK-Japan trade deal?
Might the UK and Japan pursue a mini deal instead of a comprehensive FTA?
How might a trade deal with Japan help the UK to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and what benefits would there be in joining?
Do the devolved nations of the UK have any specific interests that need to be protected as part of the negotiation of a UK-wide trade deal with Japan?

Automotive sector

How might an early removal of tariffs on Japanese automobile and part imports impact the UK automotive industry?
Would there be a significant economic benefit to UK consumers if there was an early removal of tariffs on Japanese automotive imports?
What rules of origin and cumulation requirements are necessary in a UK-Japan trade agreement?

Digital goods and services

How might negotiated digital trade provisions serve as enablers for businesses in the UK?
What might be the trade-offs for the UK in agreeing ambitious digital trade provisions with Japan?
As the UK is negotiating trade deals with both the US and Japan at the same time, how might this impact the UK’s negotiating leverage in this area?

Agriculture and food sectors

What consequences might there be for the UK agriculture and food industries if a deal is agreed? In particular, if a mini-deal or a limited version of a trade deal is agreed?

Further information

Channel website: http://www.parliament.uk/

Original article link: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/eu-international-agreements/news/uk-japan-trade-negotiations/

Share this article

Latest News from
Parliamentary Committees and Public Enquiries

Government rejects Committee’s calls for increased parliamentary scrutiny of treaties

18/04/2024 13:05:00

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) today publishes the Government’s response to its report on scrutiny of international treaties.

New select committee proposed to provide scrutiny of highly confidential spending

15/04/2024 13:05:00

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today calls for the establishment of a new select committee, to consider sound financial practice and value for money in sensitive areas which are outside the remit of the statutory Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament.

Government should learn lessons from pandemic to improve communications and counter misinformation

12/04/2024 15:05:00

Scientists working across government should be allowed and encouraged to take on a wider public facing role in the media to combat the spread of misinformation, a report from MPs says today.

MPs call for copyright changes and new champion for freelancers to improve precarious pay and working conditions in creative industries

10/04/2024 13:05:00

Many successful musicians, actors, writers and visual artists are struggling to make a living due to gaps in copyright protection, a lack of support for freelancers and unpredictable returns from music streaming, MPs warn today.

Equity in cricket: ECB must closely monitor Yorkshire to ensure no return to ‘business as usual’, MPs say

05/04/2024 14:05:00

The ECB must closely monitor Yorkshire CCC to ensure there is no return to the ‘business as usual’ that allowed a culture of discrimination to take root and thrive at the club, MPs say today.

Government must clamp down on unregulated canine fertility clinics and unlicensed pet breeders, say MPs

05/04/2024 12:25:00

The EFRA Committee wants the Government to address the fact that more than half of the puppies entering the market come from unlicensed breeders, and is today calling for a list of licensed breeders to be made public, and a change in the licensing regulations so as to include breeders of two or more litters a year, in order to counter low welfare breeding practices and provide assurance to buyers.

Committee urges Government to hold aviation industry accountable for emissions reductions

04/04/2024 14:05:00

The Environmental Audit Committee has urged the Government to hold the aviation industry accountable for its proposed emissions reductions, as it publishes the Government’s response to its report on net zero aviation.

Shared ownership is failing to deliver an affordable route to homeownership, say MPs

28/03/2024 16:05:00

Shared ownership schemes are drastically failing to deliver an affordable route to homeownership for too many people and subject buyers to rising rents, uncapped service charges, and a disproportionate exposure to repair and maintenance costs, says the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee in a report published today (Thursday).

MPs call for statutory sick pay reform to address inadequate financial support for workers most in need

28/03/2024 14:30:00

Statutory sick pay (SSP) is failing to provide enough support for those who most need financial help when ill and should be increased and made more widely available, MPs say today.

WIREDGOV