Oral QuestionDepartment for Work and Pensions

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

Tabled: 15 March 2018Answered: 26 March 2018

Asked by

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

LabourWashington and Gateshead South

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Answer from Hansard

The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)

The UK’s recent trade agreements with India, the United States and the European Union confirm that, under this Government, Britain is back and open for business. These deals open markets and cut tariffs and will contribute to growth across the United Kingdom. For example, our deal with the EU—our closest and largest trading partner—contributes to our promise to reset our relations with our friends and neighbours in Europe. The sanitary and phytosanitary measures and the emissions trading system measures announced at the summit could increase UK GDP by nearly £9 billion by 2040.