Recommendations & Conclusions
11 items
1
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
We are satisfied that the UK Government has sufficiently engaged with the Welsh Government during the consultation phase for the UK-Australia free trade agreement. However, given that trade agreements overlap with areas of devolved competence, we suggest that the Welsh Government should have access to the draft treaty text prior …
Government response. The UK Government is responsible for negotiating international trade agreements on behalf of all the constituent nations and regions in the UK. DIT recognises that modern trade agreements interact with areas of devolved competence and that the DAs have an …
Wales Office
2
Recommendation
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to including the impact on Wales in the impact assessment for the UK-Australia FTA. However, we reiterate our previous recommendation that the UK Government should publish a Wales-specific impact assessment for free trade agreements (FTAs), including the UK-Australia FTA. This should provide more detail …
Government response. DIT publish scoping and impact assessments at the launch and conclusion of FTA negotiations, respectively. These provides analysis of the potential impacts on the nations and regions of the UK.
Wales Office
3
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
We are alert to the concerns of Welsh farmers that the gradual removal of tariffs on Australian beef and lamb potentially poses a competitive threat. However, this is unlikely to manifest in the short term, and it is far from certain that the UK will be flooded with Australian beef …
Government response. 2 Third Special Report of Session 2021–22 British food and drink is the best in the world and as an independent trading nation we’re seizing new opportunities for British farmers that were previously denied to us. Our goal is a …
Wales Office
4
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
The UK Government should respond to the report of the first Trade and Agriculture Commission.
Government response. We understand that the Welsh Government, and all Devolved Administrations (DAs), have a significant interest in international trade policy and DIT works closely with them to deliver policy that reflects the interests of all the nations within the UK. DIT …
Wales Office
5
Recommendation
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
We are concerned that the statutory Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) is not yet operational and we urge the UK Government to set up the TAC as soon as possible. The UK Government intends to allow the TAC to scrutinise the final text of the UK-Australia free trade agreement (FTA), …
Government response. The breadth of the Trade and Agriculture Commission’s recommendations is extensive– covering strategic policy, standards, export support, staffing, marketing, human rights, environment and animal welfare. The report warrants a serious, considered response, not a rushed one. We’re continuing to discuss …
Wales Office
6
Recommendation
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
On establishing the statutory TAC, the UK Government should publish a statement clearly outlining the role of the TAC and the role that the TAC will play in feeding into Parliamentary scrutiny of FTAs. (Paragraph 31) Implications of the UK-Australia FTA for Wales 15
Government response. The TAC’s independent advice will be published to inform Parliamentarians as they scrutinise an FTA in advance of ratification, under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act (CRaG). This is in addition to the enhanced arrangements that the Government has put …
Wales Office
7
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
The TAC must include at least one member who understands and has direct experience of the agricultural and regulatory landscape of Wales.
Government response. The TAC’s role will be as debated and approved during the passage of the Trade Act 2021 and the Agriculture Act 2020. The TAC’s independent advice will be published to inform Parliamentarians as they scrutinise an FTA in advance of …
Wales Office
8
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
Free trade agreements offer opportunities for Welsh businesses to export and we welcome that the UK-Australia FTA will result in the removal of tariffs for British exports. However, in order to maximise opportunities for Welsh farmers to export their goods and access new markets, the UK should significantly increase the …
Government response. The Commission collectively must have detailed knowledge of the regulatory landscape of the UK–this will come from the breadth of the membership. 4 Third Special Report of Session 2021–22
Wales Office
9
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
We welcome the commitments to new mobility arrangements that will make it easier for Welsh people to travel to and work in Australia.
Government response. The Department for International Trade prioritises the promotion of British and Northern Irish Agriculture, Food and Drink overseas. Significant numbers of trade promotion staff work globally in embassies and consulates around the world to help unlock market access barriers as …
Wales Office
10
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
We welcome the Agreement in Principle reached between the UK and Australian governments and await the final text of the free trade agreement (FTA). However, while the UK-Australia FTA is unlikely to have a significant impact on Wales in the short term, we are conscious of the concerns that exist …
Government response. The UK Government is responsible for negotiating international trade agreements on behalf of all the constituent nations and regions in the UK. DIT recognises that modern trade agreements interact with areas of devolved competence and that the DAs have an …
Wales Office
11
Conclusion
Third Report - Implications of the UK-A…
We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to allow three months for parliamentary scrutiny between the publication of the final text of the agreement and laying the text before the House. We will continue to scrutinise the impacts of this and other FTAs on Wales. (Paragraph 41) 16 Implications of the …
Government response. We understand that the Welsh Government, and all Devolved Administrations (DAs), have a significant interest in international trade policy and DIT works closely with them to deliver policy that reflects the interests of all the nations within the UK. DIT …
Wales Office