Trans-pacific trade bill undergoes further scrutiny in the Lords

The Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill aims to enable the implimentation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It will ensure the UK's compliancy with with the CPTPP by changing domestic rules on trade barriers, government procurement and intellectual property.

Detailed scrutiny

Report stage is an extra chance for members to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes.   

Proposed changes  

Members speaking at report stage put down amendments (PDF) and considered subjects including:

• parliamentary scrutiny of China joining the CPTPP
• deforestation and sustainable production of products such as palm oil within UK supply chains
• impact of the CPTPP on human rights. 

Lords divisions  

There was one division (vote) on proposed changes to the bill. 

China joining the CPTPP

This vote was on amendment 5, which would allow for parliamentary scrutiny of the prospective accession of China to the CPTPP. 

Members voted 102 in favour and 212 against, so the change was not made. 

Catch up

• Watch on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
• Explore further information in the House of Lords Library Trade (CPTPP) Bill briefing. 

Next steps

Third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, is scheduled for Tuesday 23 January.

What's happened so far?

Committee stage

Line-by-line examination of the bill took place during committee stage on Thursday 7 December and Thursday 14 December 2023.

Second reading

Members discussed the principles of the draft law and the UK joining the CPTPP during the bill's second reading on Tuesday 21 November. 

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