Committees

UK trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand examined

22 September 2020

The International Trade Committee will meet on Wednesday 23 September, with a virtual evidence session focusing on the UK’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Australia and New Zealand.

After outlining its proposed approach to both sets of negotiations in June 2020, the UK held virtual opening rounds of talks with Australia and New Zealand in July, and is currently engaged in a second round with Australia.

Purpose of the session

In this evidence session, the Committee will first consider the UK’s overall approach to both sets of talks, hearing from a former Australian trade negotiator, the think tank Policy Exchange and a Bath University trade expert. Questions are expected to focus on potential benefits from trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand, the possible impact of other trade negotiations (including with the EU), and how soon agreements can be expected.

The Committee will then hear from representatives of sectors with an interest in the outcome of the negotiations: Make UK (which represents UK manufacturing), the National Sheep Association, the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association. Members will question witnesses on what their sectors would hope to see from eventual FTAs with Australia and New Zealand, as well as the impact of the UK’s Global Tariff, which will enter into force on 1 January 2021.

Witnesses

Wednesday 23 September

Committee members and witnesses will participate remotely. The Committee will take evidence from:

Panel 1 (2.30-3.30pm)

  • Elizabeth Ames, Board member for the Menzies Australia Institute, King’s College London
  • Stephen Booth, Head of Britain in the World project, Policy Exchange
  • Dr Maria Garcia, Senior Lecturer for Politics, Languages and International Studies, Bath University

Panel 2 (3.30-4.30pm)

  • Miles Beale, Chief Executive, Wine and Spirit Trade Association
  • Adrian Dobson, Executive Director Professional Services, Royal Institute of British Architects
  • Richard Rumbelow, Director of International Affairs and Export Services, Make UK
  • Phil Stocker, Chief Executive, National Sheep Association

Further information

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