Summaries of consultations on future FTAs published

18 Jul 2019 02:25 PM

Summaries of one of the largest consultation exercises in recent government history were published yesterday (Thursday 18 July).

As part of our commitment to a transparent trade policy the Department for International Trade has published summaries of responses to its consultations on trade negotiations with the US, Australia and New Zealand, as well as potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The four consultations attracted 601,121 responses from business, civil society, trade experts and members of the public – 158,720 responses on the US, 146,188 on Australia, 146,245 on New Zealand and 149,968 on CPTPP.

The Department for International Trade has analysed the responses fully, including many detailed responses from individuals and organisations with high levels of knowledge and experience in trade policy. It comes after the department conducted nation-wide market research indicating two thirds of the UK public support free trade agreements, and only 3% are opposed to them.

There was significant support for the opportunity free trade agreements offer to reduce tariffs with key markets, as well as removing wider barriers to trade.

Many respondents said that new free trade agreements could create opportunities to cut red tape, advance digital trade, remove barriers for the services sector, increase mutual recognition of qualifications and allow greater movement of skilled workers.

Many respondents to the consultation on negotiations with the US commented that there is an opportunity for the UK’s ‘gold standard’ intellectual property standards to be adopted by the US.

Through the consultation on negotiations with Australia, respondents identified increased opportunities for digital and financial services.

For New Zealand, various respondents prioritised opportunities in Services, including FinTech, while others recognised the potential in a UK-New Zealand FTA to boost investment, notably in construction and publishing.

Respondents said CPTPP could help facilitate the UK’s trade and investment in important markets, expanding the UK’s influence in fast growing Asia and Latin America economies. They highlighted CPTPP’s value as a ‘benchmark’ modern trade agreement. Respondents also cited the role CPTPP accession could play in facilitating investment and harmonising regulation, all of which could be a positive driver for UK business growth.

Some respondents, largely associated with civil society and campaign groups, expressed concerns around the potential impact of Free Trade Agreements on the NHS. The International Trade Secretary has consistently made it clear that the NHS will not be privatised, and any future trade agreements will not change that.

Respondents also highlighted concerns on the impact of potential deals on food standards. The Government recognises these concerns and has been clear it will not compromise the high quality of British food or agricultural standards in any free trading relationship and is committed to maintaining high standards on animal welfare and food safety after the UK leaves the EU.

The Government will continue to engage with stakeholders to understand their concerns and help inform trade policy.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox yesterday said:

As we prepare to enter into trade negotiations, we have a golden opportunity to build stronger and deeper ties with some of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies delivering great benefits to people across the UK.

This is one of the largest consultations in recent government history, it shows how much we value the public’s opinion, and how we’re listening.

We are committed to an open and transparent approach to trade negotiations and the British people should be assured that we are listening to the widest range of views. These new trade agreements will work the whole of the UK, and we have been clear as part of this process we will not be lowering food standards and the NHS is not for sale.

These initial consultations will inform the government’s overall approach to our future trade relationships. The government is committed to an open and transparent approach as we develop our independent trade policy for the first time in more than 40 years, and we will continue to engage on specific issues as negotiations progress.

The Department for International Trade has been laying the groundwork for these negotiations including through informal discussions with key trading partners, and is laying the groundwork to swiftly open trade negotiations after Brexit. Before negotiations start we will publish our own negotiating objectives and scoping assessment and will ensure that Parliament has the opportunity to consider them.   

Click here for the full press release