Oral QuestionDepartment for Work and Pensions

“What steps her Department is taking to promote employment opportunities as the economy reopens and the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.”

Tabled: 23 June 2020Answered: 29 June 2020

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Answer from Hansard

Jonathan Reynolds

I regularly engage with my Cabinet colleagues on a wide range of issues, and in particular the UK’s ongoing trade discussions with partner countries, given the cross-cutting nature of those matters. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is a key partner in that process, including with the US. As colleagues know, we have had constructive discussions with the US on an economic deal, and we remain committed to those talks, but we have made it clear that we will only ever sign trade agreements that align with the UK’s national interests. Our manifesto was also clear that we will always uphold our high food standards.