Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many officials with relevant foreign language skills are currently employed by the Department for International Trade to work on negotiating free trade agreements for the United Kingdom after Brexit.

Languages are an important element of this Department’s capability needs and the Department continues to encourage its civil servants in the development of their language skills. We draw on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s in-country diplomatic staff and their language expertise. We expect future Free Trade Agreements being considered at this time will be negotiated in English, including with the US, Australia and New Zealand. Where they are not, it is normal practice to make use of professional interpreters.

We currently have 33 posts which require language skills.

DIT also promotes opportunities for UK based staff posted overseas (non speaker slots) to learn the language of the country. If a DIT staff member is posted overseas as a non-speaker they can take optional beginners language courses. This extends to the spouse or partner. If they already have a basic level of competency in a foreign language they can also take development classes. These classes are provided through the FCO Diplomatic Academy Language School and easily accessible through DIT digital channels.