UK-New Zealand trade negotiations inquiry reopened

The committee is interested in submissions on all aspects of the agreement, but in particular wishes to hear to what extent it meets the Government’s stated negotiating objectives; how it will affect consumers and businesses; and the likely economic, social, environmental and other impacts.

The Committee invites interested organisations and individuals to submit written evidence to the inquiry by 5pm on Thursday 7 April.

Topics the Committee is seeking written evidence on include:

• Does the free trade agreement signed between the UK and New Zealand Governments on 16 December 2021 deliver on UK interests, including those of the devolved nations?
• What are the economic consequences for UK farmers and agri-food producers? Do the safeguards in the FTA provide adequate protection for sensitive sectors, such as beef, lamb, diary and horticulture?
• How do witnesses assess the agreement’s environment chapter? Will it encourage greater trade and investment in low carbon goods? Given New Zealand is a leading advocate for the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, is the Agreement ambitious enough in its pursuit of both Parties’ mutual interests in net zero targets? Are there other provisions which could have been included?
• The Government has said that the deal would slash red tape for tech, creative and services companies, as well as SMEs. To what extent would the signed agreement deliver on this objective?
• The UK Government aimed to increase opportunities for the UK professional services industry by supporting Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications and facilitating the temporary movement of business people between the UK and New Zealand. Based on the provisions in the signed agreement, to what extent does the signed agreement meet this objective?
• Does the signed agreement significantly reduce barriers to UK investment in New Zealand?

On Thursday 17 March the committee will hold its first evidence session for the relaunched inquiry, where it will quiz experts on key trade-offs in the Agreement and look at other key areas such as the phasing out of import tariffs on meat, the agreement’s environmental commitments, provisions on services and regulatory barriers to trade.

The session will take place at 11:00am and can be followed on Parliament TV.

Giving evidence will be:

• Michael Gasiorek, Director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO), University of Sussex
• Sam Lowe, Director, Flint Global

Baroness Hayter, Chair of the International Agreements Committee said:

“As the trade negotiations between the UK and New Zealand have now drawn to a close, we again encourage a wide range of people to come forward and share their views.

“My committee has been doing its utmost to hold Government to account on this deal and would like to thank all those from across society who have already submitted evidence. We look forward to receiving a wide range of views on the completed deal, to help judge whether it does meet the objectives the Government set itself, and to enable us to advise Parliament on the treaty prior to its ratification.”