MPs to quiz ministers on export and trade strategies
On Tuesday 30 April, the Business and Trade Committee will hold the final evidence session of its inquiry into Export-led growth. MPs will question the Minister for Trade Policy, Greg Hands, and the Minister for Exports, Lord Offord, on the UK’s export and trade strategies.
Meeting details
Following Brexit, the UK regained control of its trade policy and can now negotiate its own free trade agreements (FTAs). The cross-party Committee will likely explore the Government’s progress on delivering FTAs, including currently stalled negotiations with Canada and the US, and the economic impact of these agreements.
MPs could also ask the ministers whether the UK’s trade policy has been weakened by the lack of a published overarching trade strategy, a concern raised by witnesses in the previous session.
Questions may also focus on the Government’s Export Strategy, published in 2021, which set a target of £1 trillion in annual exports by 2030. This could include comparisons with the support given to exporters by successful competitor countries, such as Germany.