Asked by: Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party - North Ayrshire and Arran)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 18 October to Question 52516 on Human Rights: India, what representations her Department has made to the Government of India on ensuring that freedom of religion or belief protections are enshrined in any future trade agreement.
Answered by Ranil Jayawardena
The United Kingdom is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all, and promoting respect between different communities. Promoting the right to freedom of religion or belief is one of the United Kingdom’s longstanding overseas priorities.
We believe that trade is vital for our economy and future prosperity, but it need not come at the expense of our values. We engage with India on a range of matters, independent of a Free Trade Agreement, as part of our ongoing bilateral relationship. This involves working with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise.
Asked by: Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party - North Ayrshire and Arran)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to seek the removal of US tariffs on Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Whisky liqueurs.
Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government takes the negative impact of US tariffs on Single-malt Scotch Whisky and Whisky liqueurs, resulting from the Airbus dispute, very seriously. These tariffs are unnecessary, unhelpful and harm industry and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
From the beginning, the UK has pressed the US for a fair and balanced settlement to the Airbus and Boeing disputes. Most recently, in early August, the Secretary of State for International Trade visited the US and raised this issue with US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, and pressed for the removal of all tariffs as soon as possible.
Asked by: Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party - North Ayrshire and Arran)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will estimate the potential cost to the economy of trade barriers between the UK and EU countries after the UK has left the EU.
Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We are going to make a success of Brexit. As my Rt hon Friend the Prime Minister made clear ahead of the G20 summit, the UK will continue to be a powerful advocate for free and fair trade.