Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill under scrutiny by Lords

The aim of the Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill is to ensure compliancy with international obligations when the UK joins the free-trade agreement by changing domestic rules on trade barriers, government procurement and intellectual property.

Debate on the draft law 

At second reading, members discussed the main topics in the bill and drew attention to specific concerns or areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed. 

The main subjects considered were the aims of the CPTPP and its impact on UK procurement.

Members speaking

Members speaking in the debate include: 

• Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour), former Lords opposition spokesperson for international trade
• Lord Kerr of Kinlochard (Crossbench), president of UK-Korea Forum for the Future
• Lord Lansley (Conservative), chair of the UK-Japan 21st Century Group
• Lord Razzall (Liberal Democrat), member of the Lords International Agreements Committee.

Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton (Conservative), Foreign Secretary, opened the debate in his maiden speech in the Lords:

'This is an age of rapid growth in the Indo-Pacific region, and the political shifts we face are the first reason to support this bill. Countries in the Indo-Pacific are expected to drive the majority of global growth between now and 2050. I want to continue this government’s work to deepen our relationships with this region and support shared security and prosperity.'

Baroness Hayter said:

'To make this work for our exporters, which is the important issue, the Department for Business and Trade will have to step up the support which it offers to companies and individuals who want to do business in a CPTPP country...The benefits of this agreement will be realised only with considerable assistance from the government so that businesses can take advantage of what is there in the new trade freedoms.'

Lord Johnson of Lainston (Conservative), Minister for Investment in the Department for International Trade, responded on behalf of the government.

Catch Up 

• Watch the debate on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
• Find out more in the House of Lords Library Trade (CPTPP) Bill briefing. 

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, is scheduled to take place on 7 December.

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