John Baron MP raises Trans-Pacific Partnership at PMQs

MP says questions remain over ‘Common Rule Book’

Earlier this month the Japanese Prime Minister suggested Britain outside the EU would be welcomed ‘with open arms’ into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement between 11 countries including Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Canada, Mexico and Malaysia. However, many Brexit supporters have concerns that the ‘Common Rule Book’ mooted in the Chequers Agreement might hinder striking trade agreements with countries outside the EU by obliging their imports to follow EU trade regulations.

At PMQs, John asked,

“In welcoming the Japanese Prime Minister’s suggestion that we can join the Trans-Pacific Partnership when we leave the EU, and in wishing my right hon. Friend well in the upcoming negotiations, will she please confirm that our joining and fully participating in the CPTPP will not be hindered by the common rulebook of the Chequers agreement and that the whole United Kingdom will benefit?”

The Prime Minister responded by saying that Britain has discussed joining the Partnership with both Australia and Japan, and that the ‘Common Rule Book’ should not stop Britain joining.

Afterwards, John said,

“My PMQ goes to the heart of my concerns with the Chequers agreement, namely that it would potentially blunt one of Brexit’s greatest advantages. The EU has a woeful track record at striking free trade agreements, and regaining control of an independent trade policy is a great prize.”

“The Prime Minister stated the Government’s understanding that Chequers should not stop us joining the Partnership. This is welcome news, and I will continue to ask such questions as we attempt to reach a settlement with the EU.”