Two thirds (66%) of the UK public support free trade agreements,
with only 3% saying they are opposed.
These are the findings of the first wave of the Department for
International Trade’s public attitudes to trade tracker, which
was published today.
The public attitudes to trade tracker is a nationally
representative survey of 2,400 people across the UK. The survey
will be carried out twice a year to see how public attitudes
towards trade change over time.
People most commonly cited improved opportunities, greater choice
and cheaper goods as the benefits of free trade agreements.
Support for free trade agreements is highest among respondents
that are most interested or knowledgeable about trade.
International Trade Secretary said:
“This national survey shows overwhelming public support for free
trade agreements, which puts us in a strong position as we leave
the European Union.
“My Department for International Trade has laid the groundwork to
make the most of this golden opportunity and we are working to
begin trade negotiations with the USA, Australia and New Zealand
- as well as negotiating potential CPTPP accession - as soon as
we leave the EU.
“As part of our open and transparent approach, we will publish a
summary of the responses to our public consultation in the coming
days.”
The UK is seeking new free trade agreements with the USA,
Australia and New Zealand, as well as potential accession to the
Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The Department for International Trade has been laying the
groundwork for these negotiations including through informal
discussions with key trading partners, and is ready to swiftly
open trade negotiations after Brexit.
The sixth UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group concluded in
London last week (Thursday 11 July). Trade negotiators from the
UK and US have now held exploratory discussions on all major
policy areas typically covered by free trade agreements.
The government will publish shortly a summary of responses to its
consultation on future trade agreements with the US, Australia
and New Zealand, as well as potential accession to the
Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The four consultations attracted a total of more than 600,000
responses and were promoted through 12 events in every region and
nation of the UK.
Notes to editors
1. DIT commissioned BMG Research to carry out a nationally
representative survey of the UK public to examine public
attitudes towards trade and to understand the public’s priorities
as they relate to trade policy, and how these may change over
time. A total of 2,400 interviews were conducted between 8
November 2018 and 4 January 2019.
2. Between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2019, more than 230,000
jobs were created and safeguarded as a result of foreign direct
investment projects supported by DIT and its predecessor [Source:
DIT Inward Investment Results 2018 to 2019]
3. Between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2019, DIT and its
predecessor has helped UK businesses export goods and services
worth around £99 billion [Source: DIT Annual Report 2018-19]
4. Using analysis by the Institute for Economic Affairs, it is
estimated that this could potentially generate around £32 billion
for the Exchequer [Source:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-dividend-estimate-an-explanation-of-methodology/trade-dividend-estimate-an-explanation-of-methodology]
5. To date, the UK has signed or agreed in principle agreements
with countries that account for 63% of the UK’s trade with all
the countries with which the UK is seeking continuity for a
potential No Deal [Source:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-trade-agreement-continuity-statistics-and-analysis/uk-trade-with-trade-agreement-continuity-tac-countries-statistical-ad-hoc-release].
