Oral QuestionDepartment for Business and Trade

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the UK’s trade agreements programme.

Tabled: 5 June 2025Answered: 12 June 2025

Asked by

Elaine Stewart

LabourAyr, Carrick and Cumnock

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Business and Trade

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.