Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed a Government consultation on post-Brexit trade deals, urging local business leaders and members of the public to contribute their views.
The UK is due to leave the EU at the end of March 2019, after which it will be able to strike its own free trade deals for the first time in over 40 years. These could come into force as early as January 2021 following a transition period.
Four consultations have been launched on trade deals with the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and a Trans-Pacific Partnership. They look at how to increase trade and investment, lower prices for consumers and make the UK more competitive and innovation.
In launching the consultations, the Government is inviting members of the public, businesses, trade experts, and any other interested organisations to help shape the first
Mr Stephenson said, “Having met with businesses across Pendle, I know there are uncertainties surrounding the coming months, as Brexit negotiations come to a head.
“However, once we are out, all businesses can profit from the UK striking its own trade deals with countries around the world after Brexit. It is important they, and the public, get across to the Government what it needs to deliver on, using the freedoms that comes with Brexit.”
Speaking at the launch of the consultations on Monday (18 September), the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox MP said, “These consultations are about how we position ourselves as Global Britain. To build the export markets, investment opportunities and trading relationships of the future.
“Trade affects us all – whether it is through the prices and availability of product on our supermarket shelves, to the resources available for our public services, to the jobs and investment on which we all rely.”
To contribute to the consultations, visit: https://consultations.trade.gov.uk/