Nick Thomas-Symonds comments on the UK Government agreeing to join the CPTPP trade bloc

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour's Shadow International Trade Secretary, commenting on the UK Government agreeing to join the CPTPP trade bloc, said:

"It is encouraging that there has been progress in the CPTPP accession process. The Labour Party is a pro-trade, pro-business and pro-worker party and we are determined to open up new markets for UK businesses.

"However, as so often with this Conservative Government, the devil is in the detail. Ministers need to provide answers on vital issues, including on consumer safety, food safety, data protection and environmental protections. The Conservative Government's track record in striking good trade deals is desperately poor, with their own Prime Minister and MPs criticising the deal they struck with Australia. They also need to set out clear evidence to show that this does nothing to undermine the Windsor Framework.

"Other countries joining CPTPP arrangements have secured important safeguards and put in place support for their producers: it is vital that ministers set out if they plan to do the same. UK trade policy must promote democracy, workers' rights and environmental protections worldwide, including through supply chains."