Live International Trade Questions House of Commons

and use libraries to deliver services to their community so they

are sustainable and can thrive in future. Questions to the Secretary

of State for International trade. Greg Williams. Number one. Thank

you. My department is working globally to attract foreign firms to

set up or expand their businesses in the UK to contribute to national

wealth creation. We are promoting the UK is a prime destination for

inward investment from across the global networked with dedicated

support for investors in 50 overseas markets with the support of sector

specialists we are ensuring the UK has the best opportunities to

attract high-quality foreign direct investment. Thank you. Latest GBA

fastest-growing area outside of fastest-growing area outside of

London and Cardiff is the engine room of the Welsh economy. Can I

asked my honourable friend what positive steps is department is

taking to insure Welsh businesses and Cardiff businesses get the help

they expect? Can I save my honourable friend is the engine room

of the Cardiff economy in this constituency of Cardiff North. The

Department for International trade works for the entirety of the UK but

I would stress my honourable friend has revisited -- already visited

Wales and am working with the Welsh office to see what more we can do

but we are also supporting the Welsh Government by offering them support

in posts overseas and we see the option that Wales present as very

exciting. Today we are told it could take up to ten years to reach a

trade agreement with the EU after we leave while research suggests a drop

in trade of up to 60% we are outside the customs union. For investors are

vital to the British economy, so will he give those investors some of

the certainty they so desperately need and that we also need? Will he

tell them whether he wants Britain to be inside the customs union and

whether he wants tariff free access to the single market or not? It has

been very clear the Government is not going to give a running

commentary on what we are posing. I would also stress that the comments

of either or jurors are -- of Ivan Rogers are taking opinions and this

doesn't necessarily define how long it will take to treat -- to create a

trade deal fulsomely some trade deals that TPP has taken eight years

it's worked well and the Jordan and US trade deal took four months. It's

difficult to establish how long any trade deal will take. As the UK

becomes a world leader in the fourth Industrial Revolution of new

technology can instructed the house on what steps is department is taken

to secure FTI in this vital new sector? Can I congratulate my

honourable friend on launching the all-party Parliamentary group for

the fourth Industrial Revolution, this type of innovative approach by

businesses moving forward is incredibly important to the success

of the economy of this country and we are working very hard to make

sure this innovative approach has been transmitted around the world

through our posts overseas and that we can secure for in directive

investment to support this. What is the minister's best estimate on when

an EU trade Biel will be completed? Kaira first -- can I honourable

gentleman to Mike previous answer? I've heard a number of constructive

disclosure with the director-general -- constructive discussions. We've

made clear to the membership the UK's intention to replicate as far

as possible are current obligations in order to avoid disrupting our

trading relationships or those with our trading partners across the

world. The UK will need its own schedules in the WTO regardless of

the nature of our future trading relationship with the EU. I thank

the sector of state for that answer but given the list of countries are

offended by the Foreign Secretary grows longer by the day, can ask the

Secretary of State what contingencies are being put in

place, should there be some opposition for the renegotiation of

eco-schedules? The contingency the honourable gentleman asks for it in

place because until new schedules are negotiated and agreed, current

schedules will apply and it is worth noting the EU itself, having failed

to negotiate EU 28 schedules, is still operating -- operating

successfully under EU 15 of 1995. Server TASS have estimated that if

we were to go to World Trade Organisation terms with the EU the

EU businesses would have to pay ?12 EU businesses would have to pay ?12

billion to access the UK market and UK businesses would have to pay ?5

billion to access the EU market. Does the Secretary of State accept

those figures and of the governors don't accept any tell us what the

Government's figures are? Whatever the actual figures are, there was

one point that is more important: Introduction of any impediments to

trade and investment in intra- European trade would be

disadvantageous to producers and consumers alike and Government has

made it clear that we will try to get my small access to European

markets to avoid disruption of trade. ROV 's schedules aren't these

schedule and concessions just one of the results of the mammoth

bureaucratic task that must be conducted and should we be thanking

our ambassador to the EU for the Reality Check here is given about

the decade-long period of time it will take text to get ourselves from

this particular process, shouldn't we be doing but rushing so headlong

into this timetable? Yes, there are a number of bureaucratic challenges

that we face but the people we should be thanking the British

people for giving us such clear instructions to leave the European

Union. The UK has very high standards in the workplace in its

products and animal welfare, does the Secretary of State agree that a

free-trade deal with zero tariffs with countries that have much Lara

Sanders could have a significant commercial disadvantage on many of

our companies. -- who have much lower standards. It is beneficial to

both parties to return agreement otherwise it would not be reached

and regulator and compliance standards will always be an

important part of that. With the current slowdown in the growth of

local trade to UK must be a world leader in championing free trade

worldwide and buying a drum for British business was our measures to

support UK business trading globally include a network of advisers in 109

markets, online advice and support through UK Export Finance. Both

myself and zero colleagues have continued meeting with businesses in

the UK and abroad including 50 ministerial visits to markets

overseas. I thank the Secretary of State for that answer and Professor

Patrick Linford debt had estimated UK to opposition would cut consumer

prices by 8%, does he agree that forging our own free-trade

arrangements outside the EU presents enormous opportunities to ease the

cost of living on low income families? I am very grateful to my

highlight the potential of free highlight the potential of free

trade to reduce the cost of living in this country. Free trade ensures

more people can access more goods at better value, making their incomes

go further. Protectionism tends to hurt the poorest the most. It has

been two years since the then Environment Secretary announced with

great fanfare fans to sell pigs trotters to China. Admiration

question revealed this week were still no closer to signing the

piglets trotters Roddick. If it takes as long to reach an agreement

to sell pigs's trotters what does it say about the other trade deals we

need in the wake of Brexit? I am intense that our agricultural

exports continue apace and I will continue to push pig trotters as

fast as they can go. A very alluring prospect. To be covered by the

honourable gentleman probably not without sweat or emotion. Many

countries are using nontariff barriers to block global trade

however in countries like Brazil which the sect just it is well aware

of we are now seeing real progress in the removal of local content

regulations. What more can be done to encourage other companies to

follow this example? , first thank my honourable friend for his work as

our trade envoy to Brazil. I was extremely impressed in the meetings

I had last week in that country that we are now seeing major attempt not

only to open up markets but deal only to open up markets but deal

with endemic corruption. That corruption is one of the single

biggest barriers to trade that exists and as the World Bank has

made clear, improved governance is a major improvement in the potential

for trade. Thank you Mr Speaker, the sector of state recently reaffirmed

the Government's targets to double exports by 2020. In the Autumn

Statement is the OBR contradicted this sitting it affects UK trade to

reduce as a result of the UK leaving the EU and the single market. Who is

right? Does he accept reassessment of experts at the OBR? Yes or no?

I'm tempted to ask the honourable lady if she would like Santa to

bring a dictionary because expectations and targets are not the

same thing. Would my honourable friend seeks to unblock the global

trading system by adopting a new open Andy distortions agreement

which can deliver a free-trade, self-government fight crony

capitalism and almost defend against predatory practice abroad like the

one proposed by the special Trade Commission? I don't think I need to

explain to my honourable friend that I have set out, as have my fellow

ministers, the case for free trade on a number of occasions. We are

seeing a slowdown in the rate of global trade growth at the present

time which is a threat to the prosperity of people across the

globe. We must have more open trade, fewer tariffs and fewer nontariff

barriers of we are to succeed in that task. Of the steps the

Government is taking to expand UK trade through on sales particular to

the Middle East. In July the comedian Arms export control her

evidence there was an imbalance tween promotion of arms sales at the

expense of the regulation of arms sales. And I quote such that in the

UK practice, these things are at odds. Does the Secretary of State

recognise that imbalance. If he does, what does he propose to do

about it? And if he does not what representations has he made to the

White House to chastise them for their remarks this week that "The

systemic endemic problems in Saudi Arabia's targeting of civilians in

Yemen drove the US decision to halt a future weapons sale which has left

the Secretary of State and British policy in this area looking so

callous and threadbare." Can I thank the honourable

gentleman, I have been grateful for being colour blind for some of my

life. This country has one of the strictest arms controls regimes in

the world. It boasts both robust and transparent. The decisions are

looked at with a very great scrutiny. I simply don't accept the

picture he paints of the UK's attitude. I will play the role of

the referee and believe that the honourable gentleman's tie is

absolutely beautiful. It is tasteful and interesting, not boring like all

too many times. LAUGHTER

Let's hear it from Richard Graham. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The UK has an

excellent tradition of hosting major international sports events, the

Olympics, Commonwealth Games and rugby. Other countries hosting such

events can benefit from our expertise. In 2018, Indonesia is

hosting the Asian games, a great opportunity to highlight the

improvements in infrastructure. Should my right honourable friend

have the right -- to visit, would he highlight British expertise and the

help we can give in Indonesia to help deliver a bang the percent

Asian Games? Able to thank my honourable friend work as our trade

envoy to Indonesia. His point is not just specific but general. The UK is

able to provide great sector skills to many countries which not only

help them mature their own economies but provide further ability for them

to grow their market which are an excellent export opportunity for the

UK. Newcastle Airport plays a vital role in the north-east economy

facilitating over ?300 million of exports every year. Yet like other

English regional airports, visas unfair competition on tax as air

passenger duty is devolved to Scotland. The Government has failed

to mitigate this. What discussions will his department have with the

Treasury to make sure your ports like Newcastle can continue to play

a vital role in international trade? -- airports. Imbalances such as you

mention are an inevitable consequence of devolution. Wichita

party campaigned for. Like her, I have a regional airport in my

constituency and I can assure the ongoing discussions with the

Treasury will not just be general but personal.

Mr Speaker, the United States is our single largest export market,

accounting for ?100 billion worth the UK exports. As the Prime

Minister said, the UK and US are and will remain strong and close

partners on trade, security and defence. While we are EU members, we

cannot negotiate and conclude trade deals that we can discuss our

current and future trading relationships. The Secretary of

State for trade and I have visited the US taking office and we look

forward to working with President elect Donald Trump to ensure the

continuing prosperity of our nations. The excellent minister is

quite correct, the USA is our biggest single export market that we

have no trade deals with. The current president, President Obama,

said we would be at the back of the queue, I think he said, when it

comes to a trade deal. The discussions the excellent minister

has in the United States, does he think that President elect Trump

will put us at the back of the line on the front of the line? Mr

Speaker, I thank my honourable friend that question, he is rightly

stressed the importance of the bilateral trading relationship also

the investment relationship, everyday, 1 million Britons go to

work here for American companies and in the US, 1 million Americans go to

work for British companies. Our exports to the US are not only very

strong but have grown by 19% in the most recent year from which data is

available. We look forward to developing a stronger and more open

trading relationship with the new president and the new Congress. Mr

Speaker, one of the main proponents of a future UK US trade dealing and

Congress... When the President elect was elected on a mandate, and I'm

mandate, why does he think the new president will put UK US trade deals

in a post-Brexit environment at the front of his agenda? I thank him for

that question. I met the Senator from the Senate who is one of the

co-authors of the Congress resolution, a calling for a future

US UK FTA and we strongly welcome the support right the way across

Congress in terms of our future relationship with the US on trade.

In terms of the President elect, I would suggest we wait and see his

actions. He did say in the course of the campaign, he said trade has big

benefits and I am in favour, totally in favour of trade. Isolation is not

an option, only great and well crafted trade deals we look forward

to working with him in the future. What consideration has the

department is given to President elect's views on the transpacific

partnership? In a very general sense, the UK remains supportive of

trade deals right the way across the globe that reduce or remove trade

barriers, tariff barriers or nontariff barriers to help

facilitate the flow of international trade. The TPP has just been

mentioned and Q-Tip have been fraught with difficulties and

concerns from the public, businesses and sectors. What will the Minister

do when negotiating a trade deal with the US to make sure that these

issues don't derail? The first thing I would say is that Peter is still

on the table. We've always been clear that the rights of governments

to regulate and the public interest will still be there in all of these

different trade deals. It has been debated in the comments on at least

five occasions. The views of parliamentarians have been made

clear. We will make sure they will be no reduction in regulatory

standards if it were to come to pass. With your progression, Mr

Speaker, I will ask question six and question it together. The department

is working across the UK as well as in current and future export markets

overseas to help British businesses. We are helping them to export their

goods and businesses by end of my tying new export sales. We are doing

this through the international trade advisers across the UK and through

our overseas staff in 109 countries. Businesses in my constituency don't

always have the resources to explore export markets but are keen to

maximise opportunities. What is the Department for International trade

going to do to help these businesses so we can find more opportunities

abroad? Can I refer my honourable friend who is a champion of

businesses in her constituency to the great gulf .co .uk website. It's

all been going for one month but we've already seen 100,000 users and

visitors, more than 6000 users have made use of online overseas service

and a thousand businesses have greeted a profile on our servers.

This was highlighted amongst all honourable members when we sent out

from this department our MPs to locate in order that all MPs in this

place can help their constituents to find new markets and raise their

ayes to horizon. With only 5% of businesses trading directly with the

EU, surely leaving the internal market will allow us to relieve the

other 95% from the shackles of overregulation? While my honourable

friend see a bit about the balance his party is going to strike with a

model word investment? Can I thank him for his very wise question. It

is a new approach by this department. This is incredibly

important because it provides opportunities for many businesses to

be able to create new opportunities and new markets overseas. It is

worth bearing in mind that British businesses invest overseas antique

skills and expertise work with them. That can only help the developing

economies to grow and create more opportunities for British businesses

in further develop markets. Mr Speaker, the Secretary of State said

yesterday he is considering for options for the customs union.

Completely inside, completely outside, the Turkish model, or the

Swiss model, outside but with customs arrangements, are there and

not staff in the international trade Department and Brexit department to

assess the concerns of UK businesses that leaving the customs union will

devastate their supply chains by exposing new paperwork tariffs? The

Department for International trade is recruiting some of the finest no

one in this country in order to help us to develop this but I would

stress to the honourable lady that this whole exercise is not just

defined by one department. Every department within the Government is

working in order to help maximise the assistance we can give to both

the British businesses and the entire economy. Expanding the UK

global trade, with that in mind, with the Minister agree with me that

expanding key through adding more flights from Northern Ireland will

allow more of our exporters in Northern Ireland to reach for

clients particularly those outside the EU? I would agree with the

honourable member that great economical activities three airports

is important that all of this country. However, I would stress the

details of such arrangements would be for the Department for Transport.

Perhaps I could refer him to them. And very conscious the honourable

member for Bishop Auckland had her question transferred to another

department and I'm sensitive to her plight. If the honourable lady

wishes to give the Has the benefit of her thoughts. Topical questions.

The Department for International trade has three tasks. Promoting UK

exports to serve a growing economy, maximising opportunities for wealth

creation through overseas direct investment to support the current

account and negotiating the best international trading framework for

the UK outside the EU. Like the UK, my department is open for business.

Will he shed some light on the difference between our trade deficit

with the EU and our trade deficit with the USA? I'm pleased to say we

don't have a trade deficit with the USA, we have a trade surplus with

the USA. We send ?100 billion worth of exports to the US each year, 20%

of our total of the 40 billion surplus, not only that but the US is

responsible for 26% of all our inward investment and we are

responsible for 23% of our investment to the US. It is a very

interdependent relationship. By insulting my wife's taste in ties,

the Secretary of State has to wait for her reprimand but she must wait

in line because there are others who wish to reprimand him. The European

scrutiny committee told of the Secretary of State for going to

Brussels and agreeing the comprehensive economic trade

agreement between the EU and Canada without first bringing it to the UK

Parliament for scrutiny. He undertook to the scrutiny committee

that he would bring forward the debate in this House by the end of

November, a deadline which he messed. The European scrutiny

committee is set a more generous deadline, but Mr Speaker, that

deadline expired two days ago on the 13th of this month. Can he tell us,

does he actually believes in taking back sovereignty from Brussels or

doesn't he? Because if he does, repeatedly denying the UK Parliament

the right to properly scrutinise such an important trade agreement is

a very odd way of going about it. Will he now commit to bring a debate

and a vote to the floor of this House before the European Parliament

finally votes on the 2nd of February? Can I say, in due course,

his Ph.D. Thesis will be published. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'm grateful

forgiving way before Christmas. We did not go against procedure due to

Parliamentary timetable constraints, we could not offer a debate in the

house before signalling political agreement on the 18th of October. We

are committed and continued to commit to holding a full

parliamentary debate as soon as possible and we are working with

business managers to arrange this. The European Parliament has no

change the date of the expected vote on the agreement to the 2nd of

February 2017 and we hope to have a debate well with that timetable.

Over the last five years, South Korea has been our second

fastest-growing trading partner. Does my right honourable friend

agree we should seek to boost trade with South Korea further still until

we leave the EU and after we leave the EU enter a prompt bilateral

trade deal with South Korea that their Government would welcome? Mr

Speaker, I know my honourable friend Dixie huge interest in Korea and his

Korean community in Kingston. He knows that I visited in September

and saw for myself what natural allies we will be in the global

future of free trade. I had excellent meetings with other

interlocutors, we look forward to working very closely with South

Korea in the future in developing free trading relationships and I

will make sure my honourable friend is very involved.

if the recently, the member for North East Somerset said in relation

to emission standards, what's good enough I, is good enough for us. Can

we have the assurance that no emission standards will be watered

down as part of any free trade deal? The government takes very seriously

its environmental obligations and will continue to do so. On Monday, I

was delighted to hear the Prime Minister announced that she wanted

to take the trade relationship with Israel to the next level. Our key

ally in the middle east and strong trading partner. Can he set out what

steps he is taking to make sure we put in place a new trade deal with

Israel, so we can submit this commitment by the Prime Minister. He

is right. We have an extraordinarily good relationship with Israel and we

are the second biggest export market for Israel. Currently, we are

governed by the association agreement that the EU has with

Israel and we are keen to engage with Israel, to make sure there is

no disruption to the trade we have any post Brexit world. I am sure the

Secretary of State is delighted to be back in the Cabinet, but will he

agreed that the 1 million jobs which will be put at risk if we believe

the customs union matter more than his own career? I repeat that the

government has made no decision yet in relation to the actual

discussions we will have and negotiations with the EU. We have

that no decision yet on the customs union and Apple be part of the

ongoing discussions government will make based on evidence. Can he tell

the house what action he is taking to promote our world-class science

based around the globe, and will he confirm that he recognises that

face-to-face collaboration is an important part of that continued

success, and that we need to attract the best and brightest to do their

research? I commend him on his work as chairman of the science and

technology committee. As you will know, I was in his constituency on

Friday, having a at some technological innovation, with their

fantastic port facilities at the London Gateway. It's a

long-established system that attract the brightest minds at all stages of

their career. We will make sure Britain is the global nation for

scientists, innovators as well as tech investors. What steps is he

taking to it includes human rights expertise on UK trade delegations? I

am not sure that I can answer, in terms of protecting human rights,

the party to all of the EU the party to all of the EU

agreements and human rights elements that are attached to that. In terms

of the future, the UK has as strong a history as any in the EU of

protecting human rights around the world, and this includes in relation

to trade. In prioritising a post Brexit free-trade deal with Israel,

will he ensure that as far as possible, the Palestinian Authority

is also included, because it enhances trades, and enhanced trade

between these places will be a key part of the future. We support

negotiation towards a secure Israel and it is absolutely the case we

should continue to negotiate. I visited Israel recently and also

visited ministers and Palestine. The involvement of Scottish companies in

the Prime Minister's visit to India was limited. What reassurance can he

give on this? We have repeatedly said that this is a department that

is open to all businesses in the UK when it comes to seeking our support

for exports, and I hope that the Scottish Government will encourage

businesses in Scotland to work with the Department for International

trade, so we can maximise that. We have made that offer and we hope

been able to get up. What steps is he taking to promote a global free

trade agenda? We have repeatedly set out our worries about the slowdown

in the growth of global trade. That has implications across the globe,

and it's worth making the general point that we need more free trade,

because it increases global prosperity. Increasing global spread

prosperity leads to greater political stability, which leads to

greater global security. Those elements, it's not possible to

disaggregate them. When he lobbying firm foreign inward investment,

which he agreed with the Foreign Secretary, who said at a pound spent

in Croydon has more value to this country than a pound spent in sharp

eyed? I bow to no one in the size for my credentials as a Unionist,

and I want to see prosperity spread to every part of the United Kingdom.

I thought the Scottish Government economic policies will also help

contribute