Question to the Department for International Trade:

Her Majesty's Government which aspects of the UK's trade in services with non-EU countries are (1) covered by WTO agreements, and (2) not covered by WTO agreements.

(1) There are 135 non-EU WTO members. The UK’s trade in services with WTO members is covered by the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). On joining GATS, each WTO Member makes its own specific commitments to providing services market access and non-discriminatory treatment. These commitments are made sector-by-sector. Additionally, eighteen non-EU WTO members have made commitments under the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) on best-practice procurement procedures and non-discrimination.

(2) GATS does not cover services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority nor services directly related to air transport rights. Both GATS and GPA contain exceptions, for example relating to protection of life or to international emergencies.