Thank you for contacting me about the UK's trade relations with the EU.
The Prime Minister has affirmed that under his leadership, he will not be pursuing any relationship with Europe that relies on alignment with EU rules. Alongside the Prime Minister, I have great confidence that in the years ahead, outside of the single market, we will be able to remove the vast majority of the trade barriers that exist between us and the EU.
Already, the UK and the EU have established the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This Agreement was a historic achievement that delivered on the promises of the EU referendum and the Conservative Party manifesto, which the British people supported in the General Election 2019. As part of the Agreement, there are no tariffs or quotas for trade in goods between the UK and the EU. This was the first time that the EU agreed such a deal and it provides the UK with the same benefits in tariffs and quotas that EU member states enjoy.
The Agreement contains broad provisions on services and locks in market access across substantially all service sectors, although there are exceptions in some sectors and for some member states. It also includes a commitment for the UK and the EU to review the arrangements with a view to making future improvements.
Furthermore, the UK has the opportunity to strike new trade deals around the world as part of the Government’s independent trade policy. I am very encouraged by the progress that the Government is making in securing trade deals. As of today, the UK has agreed trade deals with 71 countries plus the EU, partners that accounted for £814 billion of UK bilateral trade in 2021. Additionally, I welcome the progress made in negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
More broadly, I was elected on a manifesto to get Brexit done and this Government has delivered that. Outside of the EU, the UK has more control over a number of areas including our borders, laws and money and I can assure
you that the Government is now focussed on delivering on the opportunities that Brexit presents.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.