Government to publish trade strategy

Commission Chair Andrew Lewin has welcomed the imminent publication of the government’s trade strategy and called for a renewed drive to secure mutual recognition agreements with the EU

In the wake of the UK announcing trade deals with India and the US - and the crucial UK-EU reset summit last month - the government is set to unveil the UK's new trade strategy in full tomorrow.

Ministers say the plans include a new £5bn fund for businesses and expanding UK Export Finance (UKEF) capacity to £80bn, and stress that the recent EU agreement cuts red tape and improves access to our biggest trading partner, including easing trade for Scottish salmon farmers, Welsh sausages and lamb mince exporters.

Andrew Lewin MP, Chair of the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission, said:

“The last Conservative government was defined by putting up barriers to trade with the European Union and failing to make meaningful progress in negotiations with other major countries across the world. The first year of a Labour government has seen relationships rebuilt and deals struck with the EU, India and the US. It has been a year of progress and the publication of the Trade Strategy is the vital next step.

“It is especially welcome to see a renewed drive to support our services sector, with an objective of securing mutual recognition agreements with more countries. I hope this will continue to be a priority for negotiations with the European Union, as securing an agreement with our single largest trading partner would be a real catalyst for growth."