Documents to download

On 8 September 2020, the second reading of the Trade Bill is scheduled to take place in the House of Lords. The bill would:

  • enable the UK to implement obligations arising from acceding to the international Government Procurement Agreement in its own right;
  • enable the UK to implement in domestic law obligations arising under international trade agreements the UK signs with countries that had an existing international trade agreement with the EU;
  • formally establish a new Trade Remedies Authority;
  • enable HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to collect information on the number of exporters in the UK; and
  • enable data sharing between HMRC and other private and public sector bodies to fulfil public functions relating to trade.

The bill’s provisions implementing international trade agreements related to what the Government calls “continuity agreements” that seek to replicate the UK’s existing trading relationships with the EU’s partner countries. The bill does not contain powers to implementing any agreement the UK reaches with the EU about their future trading relationship or any new free trade agreements the UK might make with countries that do not currently have a free trade agreement with the EU.

The bill was amended at report stage in the House of Commons to add government new clauses to enable data sharing between HMRC and other bodies. Four amendments were defeated on division. These related to:

  • parliamentary approval of trade agreements;
  • food standards for imported agricultural goods after the end of the Brexit transition period;
  • excluding the NHS and publicly funded health and care services from trade agreements; and
  • the consent of the devolved administration to regulations made by the UK Government under the bill in areas of devolved competence.

A very similar, but not identical, Trade Bill was introduced by Theresa May’s Government in the 2017–19 parliament. This bill fell when Parliament was dissolved for the 2019 general election.


Documents to download

Related posts

  • US tariffs: Background, perspectives and impact on the UK

    The US has announced significant increases in tariffs on imports, although has delayed full implementation. Many economists view tariffs unfavourably, arguing that they raise prices, reduce competition and risk retaliation. But others suggest that tariffs may benefit the country that applies them. UK exports to the US face an additional 10% tariff. This could be negative for UK exports and the economy. But there could be some upsides for the UK if the US goes ahead with higher “reciprocal” tariffs on many of the UK’s competitors.

    US tariffs: Background, perspectives and impact on the UK
  • Economic and planning policies: Impact on farming and rural communities

    The government has announced various policies affecting farming and rural communities. Examples include the closure of the sustainable farming incentive, changes to inheritance tax relief and planning reforms set out in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Whilst some stakeholders have welcomed the plans, the government has faced strong opposition from the farming industry about the impact these policies could have on farm businesses and rural communities.

    Economic and planning policies: Impact on farming and rural communities