Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of local government’s experience in developing international trade and inward investment relationships; and whether they intend to involve local government leaders in trade negotiations following the UK’s exit from the EU.

There are 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) covering England. Each LEP is a partnership of local authorities and business. This Department works with LEPs on promoting the benefits of international trade to local businesses and in attracting potential inward investment.

We are seeking the views and input of a wide range of UK stakeholders, including local government representatives, to inform our approach to trade as we prepare to leave the EU.