Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK’s reliance on imported manufactured goods on the environment.

This Government is committed to ensuring that our international trade and environmental objectives are mutually supportive, as set out in the Trade Strategy. This includes seeking outcomes in trading frameworks and international agreements that support sustainable trade and the UK’s domestic agenda.

The Government uses a range of analytical tools to assess the impacts of trade policy, including through the publication of Impact Assessments for Free Trade Agreements. These assessments include extensive analysis of environmental considerations, including potential impacts on global emissions, natural capital and other environmental outcomes. The Government continues to explore further analysis in this area as required.