Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes in rules of origin arrangements with Canada as a result of the suspension of trade negotiations with that country on (a) the economy and (b) each sector.

The pause in negotiations does not impact our existing trade agreement with Canada, which underpins £25.9bn worth of trade in the 12 months to September 2023.

However, we are working closely with UK businesses potentially impacted by the changes to rules of origin arrangements in the existing agreement, to help them prepare and adapt. Our analysis to date shows exporters of automotives, plastics, chemicals and processed food are likely to be impacted.