The statement made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for Transport, on 9 October 2022.
I have ensured that the Rail Delivery Group has issued new guidance to confirm free travel for military and veterans for Remembrance Day.
To travel, just present your MoD ID card or evidence that you are a veteran, such as Veterans Railcard, to railway staff.
The comments made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for Transport, on 7 October 2022.
We need train services which are reliable and resilient to modern day life. Services on Avanti have been unacceptable and while the company has taken positive steps to get more trains moving, it must do more to deliver certainty of service to its passengers.
We have agreed a 6-month extension to Avanti to assess whether it is capable of running this crucial route to a standard passengers deserve and expect.
The speech made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for International Trade, in Birmingham on 4 October 2022.
Conference, thank you.
It’s wonderful to be back here with so many of you in Birmingham this year.
Speaking to you today from the heart of the West Midlands – it serves as a powerful reminder that this region was the crucible from which much of the modern world was built.
As the Mayor, Andy Street, is tireless in saying as he promotes this wonderful region.
The infrastructure that powered that growth can still be seen today, and we are giving it a new 21st century boost.
Less than a mile away from here, I visited Curzon Street – one of the first train stations built in the UK. It has facilitated passengers and freight for over a hundred years.
Designed by Robert Stephenson – one of Newcastle’s finest exports, providing designs and inspiration for constructions around the world – it took 20,000 workers nearly five years to build.
Today, 27,000 workers have spades in the ground, with so many of them working to reopen and transform stations. These will serve at the heart of our newest high-speed railway delivering additional capacity for the network, drawing in huge investment into the region – and of course, helping the whole country and our economy to grow.
From land to sea, the UK also has a historic leadership in underwriting prosperity and trade.
Shipping continues to drive the global economy today, just as it has done for millennia.
Our seas are by far the most important arteries for global trade, carrying over 95% of all goods.
But while our maritime industry normally conducts its business beyond the public gaze, recent events have thrust global supply chains into the spotlight-and in particular, the importance of resilient and secure shipping routes.
At Transport, we are charged with ensuring the security of all networks that move goods, people and information around the world, and that underpin our way of life and our economy.
We have seen Putin weaponise food by trying to crush the economic and humanitarian criticality of Ukraine’s agricultural economy.
In blockading those Ukrainian ports, Putin has prevented the export of global grain supplies.
Our maxim is to ensure the UK is and remains the most secure and reliable nation to trade with globally.
Because at a time when Russian aggression is disrupting established trade routes,
it has never been more important for the international community to come together and protect global shipping.
So, we will work with all our partners to ensure maritime trade and travel continues to operate safely, securely and sustainably, right around the world.
Now Conference, there is an elephant in the room today.
We cannot ignore that nine out of ten train services were at a standstill last Saturday – with further strikes planned tomorrow and this coming Saturday.
While our priority, our overwhelming objective, is to grow our economy and tackle the rising cost of living, we also have to deal with rolling strike action.
Strikes disrupt everyday life for everyone and slow down our prospects for growth.
The more quickly we can resolve these disputes, the sooner all our efforts can be spent on getting our economy motoring at full speed.
Despite soaring international energy prices, the war in Ukraine and the continued global impact of COVID, we are taking the necessary action to help families and businesses.
We can only do this through growth and having the infrastructure that makes this possible.
We want to transform the rail industry to make it sustainable for the next 100 years.
The very last thing our country needs right now is more damaging industrial disputes.
My message to the trade union membership is simple: please take your seats at the negotiating table and let’s find a landing zone which we can all work with.
Punishing passengers and inflicting damage on our economy by striking is not the answer.
As a former Trade Secretary, I know something about making deals.
And I can tell you, there is a deal to be done between the unions and our train operators. It’s a deal that will require compromise. So I want to see positive proposals to bridge the differences.
As part of these, I am asking industry to launch consultations on reforming our ticket office provision across the country.
The way we buy everything from groceries to holidays has transformed over the last decade. Online shopping is increasingly the norm, and all our favourite retail stores are using the latest self-service tech, making the in-store experience quicker and smoother, with fewer queues and more convenience.
We’re seeing the same trend on the railways with a huge increase in online ticket sales – today, only 12% of transactions take place at ticket offices. We need to be looking at ways to move with the trend and support our customers in the most effective way possible.
There will be some stations where the ticket office will be important to the running of the station. In other areas rail employees may be better in front of the glass helping passengers in other ways.
This is not about cutting jobs – this is about putting the passenger at the heart of the Railway.
We all want the same outcome – to modernise the railway so that customers can choose rail as their preferred travel method with confidence and with ease.
I hope Union leaders together with employers will work with us to deliver the much-needed changes and resolution, so that together we can grow the economy for everyone.
Conference –
Just as coal power and steam propulsion powered a global revolution in growth and development – which transformed everything from medicines to transport and brought prosperity across the world – we are at the tipping point of another revolution that has the potential to transform.
The way that all our modes of transport are powered is changing at pace.
Hydrogen fuels. Net Zero Emission Vehicles. Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Green shipping corridors.
Those markets that change first, and have the potential to grow fastest, will go the furthest. We want UK Business to lead the way on this new clean growth revolution.
That’s why we are investing record amounts in our roads, in our railways and future green transport solutions, to provide the conditions that will make sure business can grow on the back of clean transport.
Building the vital connections that will open up access to jobs, education and housing across the whole of the United Kingdom.
This Government is unashamedly going for growth.
Growth is key to delivering jobs, higher wages and more money to invest in world class public services.
A key part of achieving that growth is keeping our promises and delivering for the people.
Speaking as the Member of Parliament who has campaigned for dualling the A1 – a road improvement first promised in 1992 – and was elected on that promise, delivering on our promises is firmly on my mind.
The A1 is just one example.
The A303 is another. One of the main gateways to the South West, it acts as a bottleneck to growth. So we are committed to getting these road solutions delivered.
Delivery is the key.
Something my fantastic ministerial team are focussed on.
Kevin Foster – is taking on the challenge of modernising our Railway.
Katherine Fletcher – will deliver the Roads the Prime Minister has asked me to accelerate, which the Chancellor announced in his Growth Plan.
Baroness Vere – will work to decarbonise the aviation industry.
Lucy Frazer who will be working on the Future of Transport, making it fit for a modern world.
And our Parliamentary Private Secretaries Marco Longhi, Anthony Browne, and Damian Moore in the Whips Office are going to help us stay on track.
As a rural constituency MP, one of the most common issues that gets raised with me is the state of my local roads. Indeed – I became very popular overnight with many colleagues who have constituents raising similar issues with them.
That’s why we have set aside a pothole fund to repair 10 million potholes a year.
So motorway or local street, this is a government which will invest so that our country can grow. We are a team that is determined to get spades into the ground at pace.
Conference, we’ve got a lot to do – it’s time to Get Britain Moving.
Thank you.
The speech made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for Transport, in New York on 29 September 2022.
Thank you, and good morning everyone.
It is a real pleasure to join you today (29 September 2022).
And what better backdrop for a speech on maritime security than the magnificent HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Thank you to all her crew for accommodating us this week.
Yet whatever pride I feel delivering my first speech as Transport Secretary on the largest vessel ever built for the Royal Navy, my emotions are also tinged with sadness.
Because it was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who performed the naming ceremony for this superb ship just 8 years ago at Rosyth in Scotland.
Suitably, she didn’t use the traditional bottle of champagne, but a bottle of whisky, to launch the new vessel.
Her Late Majesty will be profoundly missed, and I would like to thank all those around the world, including many friends here in the United States, who sent condolences. Your support and demonstrations of love and respect helped ensure a fitting farewell to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
Her Late Majesty was a champion of the Royal Navy, and she understood its historic leadership in underwriting prosperity and trade.
Shipping continues to drive the global economy today, just as it has done for millennia.
Our seas are by far the most important arteries for global trade, carrying over 95% of all goods.
But while the maritime industry normally conducts its business beyond the public gaze, recent events have thrust global supply chains into the spotlight… and in particular, the importance of resilient and secure shipping routes.
In particular, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has awakened and reminded us all of our need as a global community to protect maritime trade, and support an international order based on rules and principles which are enforced.
For the Department for Transport, that is about ensuring the security of all networks that move goods, people and information around the world, and that underpin our way of life and our economy.
We have seen Putin weaponise food by trying to crush the economic and humanitarian criticality of Ukraine’s agricultural economy.
In blockading of Ukrainian ports, Putin has prevented the export of global grain supplies.
These actions have had a terrible impact on the world’s poorest people, and driven up food and fertiliser prices.
We are doing what we can to alleviate the international food security crisis that Putin has created.
The UK and our allies pushed hard to secure the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative in July that has allowed over 3 million tonnes of grain to leave Ukrainian ports so far.
We will continue to enforce the toughest sanctions against Russia to undermine its shipping industry and reduce its export revenue.
We will continue to work with international partners to implement an oil price cap and ban on maritime insurance for Russian oil later this year.
And we will continue to stand alongside our Ukrainian friends, strengthening their hand to finish this war on their terms.
The UK is an island nation with global interests.
The numerous islands that form the UK, our Crown Dependencies and our Overseas Territories all rely on unimpeded international trade.
The shipping routes between the UK and our trading partners and allies form some of the busiest trading routes in the world.
We are highly connected to the rest of the world and will continue to be so in the future.
Our maxim is to ensure the UK is and remains the most secure and reliable nation to trade with globally.
In 2021, we published Global Britain in a competitive age: the integrated review of security.
This document reaffirmed the first duty of government – to protect our people, our homeland, and our democracy.
That means protecting our ports and airports, and the trade routes vital to our national prosperity.
In an increasingly uncertain world, we must work harder to safeguard transport networks against a complex variety of security risks and natural hazards.
That’s why we have published our National strategy for maritime security, setting out 5 strategic objectives to help deliver the objectives of the integrated review.
Our strategy acts as a blueprint for maritime security – explaining how we will protect our borders and ports, and address the threats we face.
We consider how we will comprehensively tackle cyber security, defending the global supply chain at a time of increased automation and evolving cyber technologies.
An important aspect of this is covered in the UK by the National Security and Investments Act.
This allows us to scrutinise and potentially intervene if acquisitions of assets linked to the UK may pose national security risks.
All investment involving our transport sector is subject to thorough analysis. and must satisfy robust legal, regulatory and national security requirements.
Alongside defensive measures, we are committed to maintaining our reputation for the UK to be one of the best places to invest.
That is why, the government has established a network of freeports – to act as business hubs for international trade, innovation and commerce, and have just announced last week a next wave of investment zones. These hubs will regenerate communities by attracting investment and jobs to towns and cities up and down the country.
Beyond investment in security, we have been developing our maritime security structure for several years.
A significant part of this has been creating the Joint Maritime Security Centre in 2019. This national organisation helps coordinate what we call our ‘whole system response.’
This brings together all the organisations and teams which work to deter and respond to threats – including high-readiness maritime assets.
The Joint Maritime Security Centre ensures that government, military, and law enforcement agencies have a closely-coordinated understanding of threats and risks in our own waters, and across the globe.
We continue to develop these capabilities against current and emerging threats – from terrorism, piracy or hostile states – and also help us understand security concerns for shipping routes as our climate changes and we need to adapt.
This is particularly important when looking at the Arctic and High North, which will provide faster shipping routes to Asia. There will be new security challenges which we need to anticipate and plan to provide 21st century solutions.
At home and abroad, we will always protect our interests and those of our international partners. That means understanding how threats could arise along international trade routes or chokepoints, how they can be addressed, and what their impact might be.
We don’t just consider hard security dangers.
Threats to our marine environment are also a security issue.
The fragile marine ecosystem is a precious resource, so we must respond to any dangers early. From destruction of fishing stocks to dumping of illegal waste. Any activities that harm the marine environment and destroy the livelihoods of those living in coastal communities.
In many countries this loss of income for some of the most impoverished in society can lead to people being exploited by criminal gangs and terrorists.
So tackling environmental problems early can reduce long term harm and we have a unique window of opportunity to harness technology develop new green solutions.
We must act now to reduce maritime’s contribution to climate change.
Maritime transport is currently responsible for almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and if it were a country, it would be the world’s sixth largest emitter.
We face a massive challenge. However, with concerted global action, the worst impacts can still be averted
That is why earlier in the year, as part of the UK’s revised National shipbuilding strategy, we announced £206 million for a new UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions, to invest in maritime decarbonisation.
Today, I am delighted to launch the third round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition – as part of this programme of investment.
This is the largest round to date, with up to £60 million available for technology and system demonstrations in clean maritime solutions.
So far, these competitions have helped many developers working on new shipping technologies and fuels.
From hydrogen, ammonia and methanol fuels, to batteries and shore power – and from automated vessels, hybrid engines and green storage facilities at ports to energy from offshore wind infrastructure – we are working hard to pioneer the breakthrough and secure maritime technologies of the future.
Today, I am also announcing the winners from the second round of the competition, allocating over £12 million to 31 different projects, including 3 green shipping corridors which can help lead decarbonisation solutions.
This will help to fulfil our commitment under the Clydebank Declaration, which the UK proudly launched at COP26 with 24 signatory states, including the US, to progress 6 innovative zero emission shipping routes by the middle of the decade.
Of course, the more we collaborate, the faster we progress.
So we will continue to work closely with US partners and others to raise the level of ambition on climate change at the International Maritime Organisation, which faces a crucial year as it revises its initial strategy on greenhouse gas reduction.
More broadly, the UK will work with like-minded partners around the world to reduce every sector in transport’s reliance on fossil fuels, and embrace decarbonisation.
On Tuesday, I was in Montreal speaking at the International Civil Aviation Organisation General Assembly, urging the adoption of long-term emission goals that are consistent with the Paris Agreement.
We must push every sector to play its part – but maritime will remain critical to our success or failure as a global family.
Under the leadership of new Prime Minister, Britain will be a relentlessly outward-facing nation.
The UK will continue to utilise its hard security, economic security and diplomatic heft to build stronger global alliances.
At a time when the world is recovering from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and rebuilding the supply chains that feed the global economy…
At a time when Russian aggression is disrupting established trade routes…
It has never been more important for the international community to come together and protect global shipping.
We will continue to support, defend and uphold the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and protect freedom of navigation.
We will safeguard the marine environment, and help lead the transition to green shipping.
And we will work with all our partners to ensure maritime trade and travel continues to operate safely, securely and sustainably, right around the world.
Thank you.
The statement made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the then Secretary of State for International Trade, in the House of Commons on 6 September 2022.
Since the House adjourned for the summer recess, the Department for International Trade has made good progress on a number of areas. This statement provides Parliament with an update on progress with Ukraine reconstruction, the UK’s trade negotiations with India, negotiations towards accession to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership, and the developing countries trading scheme.
Ukraine reconstruction
At the end of July, following a competitive procurement process, we appointed Mott MacDonald and Crown Agents on a 12-week programme to act as Ukraine reconstruction industry advisors to the joint UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Taskforce. They will provide technical and logistical assessments, work with our counterparts in country to identify and prioritise current and future reconstruction projects, and provide technical support to the joint taskforce. At this stage the joint taskforce will focus on the Ukrainian Government’s immediate priorities—rapid replacement of essential housing and bridging infrastructure damaged by the conflict. Successful delivery of these projects is likely to support the Ukrainian economy and unlock new, larger mutually beneficial opportunities for UK businesses and Ukraine in later stages as we continue to support its post-conflict recovery and reconstruction. To ensure we can deliver the most effective reconstruction solutions through the infrastructure taskforce, we will work in close partnership with our brilliant UK businesses to unleash their full potential. UK Export Finance remains open for business in Ukraine with £3.5 billion of financial capacity available for UK exporters and Ukrainian buyers, subject to Treasury approvals.
Comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership
The first in-person accession working group following the United Kingdom’s application to join the comprehensive and progressive trans-Pacific partnership took place in Tokyo, 24 to 28 July 2022.
The UK team negotiated market access with CPTPP parties in the following areas: goods, services and investment, Government procurement, financial services and temporary entry.
Negotiations will continue over the course of the autumn with planning currently underway for the next round of talks. The Government will ensure that membership of CPTPP is achieved on terms that work for UK businesses and consumers.
Joining CPTPP offers numerous benefits to the UK. It will provide greater market access for British goods and services to one of the world’s largest free trading areas, with a combined GDP of £9 trillion in 2021. Reductions in tariffs and investment barriers will give UK firms increased opportunities to a growing market.
Beyond the immediate economic opportunities there is a significant geostrategic case for joining CPTPP. Membership will demonstrate that the UK is a global leader in free and rules-based trade. It will further establish the UK’s commitment to deeper engagement within the Indo-Pacific region in support of increased security and prosperity.
CPTPP will help the whole of the UK capture the benefits of global trade opportunities, by supporting jobs, wage growth and the levelling-up agenda. The Department’s preliminary analysis from the CPTPP scoping assessment suggests that every nation and region of the UK could be set to benefit from CPTPP membership.
The Government will keep Parliament updated as these negotiations progress.
UK-India trade negotiations
The fifth round of UK-India free trade agreement negotiations took place between 18 and 29 July 2022. The negotiations, at official level, were conducted in a hybrid fashion, with some negotiators in a dedicated Indian negotiations facility, and others attending virtually.
Technical discussions were held across 15 policy areas over 85 separate sessions, with detailed draft treaty text discussions.
In addition, intense negotiations have continued throughout the summer, again in a hybrid fashion, with India hosting UK negotiators and the UK also hosting Indian officials.
We are continuing to work towards the target, as set out by both Governments on 22 April 2022, to conclude the majority of talks by the end of October.
The Government will keep Parliament updated as these negotiations progress.
Developing countries trading scheme
On 16 August 2022 we launched the developing countries trading scheme. The scheme is a major milestone in growing free and fair trade with 65 developing nations that are home to more than 3.3 billion people. It is one of the most generous trade preferences schemes in the world and has been designed to boost trade with developing countries, helping them to grow and prosper. It delivers on commitments in the integrated review and international development strategy to harness the power of trade to support long-lasting development and it benefits the UK through reduced import costs, greater choice and improved economic security.
The developing countries trading scheme demonstrates that, as an independent trading nation, the UK can go beyond what we were able to do as a member of the EU. It introduces more generous, less bureaucratic trading rules that reduce tariffs, simplify rules of origin and simplify the requirements to access better tariff rates. It has been designed to boost jobs, drive growth and make supply chains more resilient.
Developing countries in the scheme collectively export over £20 billion of goods to the UK each year, such as t-shirts from Bangladesh, flowers from Ethiopia and bicycles from Cambodia. The developing countries trading scheme reduces import tariffs on these products and thousands more, saving businesses and consumers in the UK over £750 million per year and helping to tackle the cost of living.
The developing countries trading scheme proposals have been shaped by a public consultation held between July and September 2021. Responses were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including businesses and non-governmental organisations and overall supported a simpler, more generous developing countries trading scheme. A summary of consultation responses has also been published:
Key aspects of the developing countries trading scheme include:
Least developed countries continue to get tariff-free trade on everything but arms and ammunition and now benefit from more generous and simplified rules of origin, making it easier for them to participate in regional and global supply chains serving the UK.
Low income and lower-middle income countries benefit from more tariff reductions and removals. Nuisance tariffs and some seasonal tariffs have been removed.
Goods from India and Indonesia that are competitive in the UK domestic market are excluded from the scheme.
Eight countries immediately benefit from more generous tariffs as access to these tariffs is now based purely on economic vulnerability and not on the ratification of international conventions.
Powers to suspend countries from the scheme have been expanded. For the first time, climate change and environment related obligations are included in the grounds for suspension as well as those relating to human rights and labour rights.
For more detail on the new scheme and how it differs from the UK generalised scheme of preferences which it replaces, please see the comprehensive Government policy response:
The developing countries trading scheme will come into force in early 2023, giving businesses time to prepare for greater UK market access.
The statement made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the then Secretary of State for International Trade, in the House of Commons on 5 September 2022.
On 24 August, the Government launched negotiations with Ukraine towards a bilateral digital trade agreement, the proposed UK-Ukraine digital trade agreement.
The UK is standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of unjustified aggression from Putin, and I remain committed to ensuring that trade policy plays its part in supporting Ukraine now and throughout its economic reconstruction. In addition to the immediate actions we have already taken to liberalise tariffs and starve Putin’s war machine of funds, we need to put in place longer-term measures to support Ukraine and play our part in securing its future as a prosperous, stable and democratic partner in Europe.
The UK is increasingly recognised as a global leader in digital trade, with a network of international agreements that drive productivity, jobs and growth. In 2021, under its G7 presidency, the UK brokered agreement on the ground-breaking G7 digital trade principles, while earlier this year the UK-Singapore digital economy agreement—the world’s most innovative trade agreement—entered into force.
As a result, in my discussions with our Ukrainian partners, we have agreed that we should seek to negotiate a digital trade agreement to play an important role in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction objectives. Ukraine has strong digital ambitions, and it has identified greater digitalisation of the economy as one of its areas of focus.
Ukraine sees digital trade as part of its vision for the future, and the UK is ideally placed to help Ukraine benefit from the opportunities this presents.
In addition to furthering our vital support for Ukraine, this agreement will also be good for British businesses. The current UK-Ukraine free trade agreement contains limited digital and e-commerce provisions. Expanding these commitments will remove barriers to digital trade and enable UK exporters to service Ukrainian markets more easily.
As digital trade is now the foundation of modern global trade, securing this agreement will send a strong signal of the United Kingdom’s support for our Ukrainian allies in response to the ongoing conflict, and further cement our position as a forward-thinking trading partner in the modern global economy.
I will continue to keep the House updated as negotiations develop.
The speech made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Department for International Trade, in Adelaide, Australia on 2 September 2022.
Good afternoon everyone
Thank you, David and Don, for your warm welcome and to the Australian British Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak today.
I want to acknowledge the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pay respect to their elders past, present and emerging.
It’s great to be here in Adelaide, the final stop on my Australia and New Zealand trade tour.
This great city doesn’t just regularly top lists of the most liveable and friendly places on the planet…
It’s also known for its progressive spirit.
This is, the city where the Aboriginal flag was flown for the first time – just over the road in Victoria Square.
And speaking as a female politician, it’s thought provoking to reflect that South Australia was among the first places in the world to give women the vote, back in 1894.
Today, South Australia has gained a formidable reputation for both complex industry and creative forward thinking:
Alongside the food and drink produced by your agricultural sector and sold around the world…
You are growing an extraordinary naval engineering and advanced manufacturing sector; I have been able to catch up with some great UK businesses welcomed here, from BAE systems working on your next generation of frigates, to MacTaggart Scott and Babcock, focused on providing critical technology and long-term support to your Navy.
The dynamic combination of industry, research, and entrepreneurs, is making new Adelaide districts like Lot 14 and Tonsley, hotbeds for the cyber security, quantum computing and renewable energy sectors…
South Australia isn’t just meeting the challenges of the modern, globalised world, it’s embracing them.
So, it was great that in January our Foreign Secretary and the South Australian Premier cemented our partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Over the last four days, I have seen for myself that the bonds connecting the UK with Australia are stronger than ever.
We, of course have the historical, cultural, sporting and linguistic ties that have linked our nations over the centuries…
And the visitors we each welcome every year from one another’s countries –are now back on the rise following Covid-19.
We also have a shared perspective on the world:
Our joint belief in the values of democracy, free and fair trade, and the rules-based international order.
We welcome Australia’s ongoing commitment to a free, stable and open Indo-Pacific region, based on the rule of law, human rights, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Right now, close to home for us, we are feeling those shared values threatened in Europe by Putin’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
War on European soil, with an aggressor challenging the democratic and sovereign rights of a country, a neighbour, to exist.
In times like these, deep and longstanding friendships like the one we have with Australia, are more important than ever.
Together, we show the world that we stand up for liberty, that we will fight back against tyranny and we will defend, for our citizens, the shared values on which our societies are built.
And those values are at the heart of how we are using the power of free trade to reinforce the UK and Australia’s enduring partnership.
Our commercial relationship is, of course, already flourishing…
Last year, we did over £14 billion worth of business with one another.
British design and engineering will be integral to the new Qantas direct flights between Sydney and London. With Rolls-Royce engines manufactured in Bristol, and Airbus aircraft wings made in North Wales, soon to be powering even closer links between our countries…
While Clare Valley Riesling and Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon are firm favourites in UK supermarkets.
Almost every day there’s another example of a new investment or commercial deal between our nations.
But our trading partnership is about much more than the simple exchange of goods and services – excellent though these are!
Our mutual trade is a powerful means of addressing some of the biggest issues of the day… working together in multilateral fora such as the G20, the OECD and with the like-minded World Trade Organization members that make up the Ottawa Group.
Just a few months ago at the WTO, we collaborated on the global response to the food security crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine, along with a series of other major challenges.
Don and I are both very much focused on building this close and productive relationship.
Right now, we’re working closely on the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership.
The UK is aiming to accede by the end of this year, and joining CPTPP is a demonstration of our foreign policy focus aligning with the global economic tilt towards the Indo-Pacific.
For the UK, the benefits of membership are compelling: Access to a high standards, free trade area – a powerful trade bloc, growing at pace which we look forward to joining.
As a like-minded friend to Australia and other CPTPP nations – we will bring a new, strong and persuasive voice to the partnership… and unrelentingly make the case for upholding our values, protecting high standards and increasing collaboration on joint priorities.
e are, of course, also furthering our bilateral relationship through the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which we signed a few months ago.
When the deal was first discussed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson famously said Australia would give us Tim Tams, while we would give you Penguin Bars.
I’ve no doubt that the fierce debate on the delights of UK versus Australian confectionery and Marmite versus Vegemite will, much like our conversations around cricket, continue long into the future…
(I’m a Marmite girl, sorry!)
But this agreement is a win-win for businesses in both our countries.
Together we have achieved a world class, comprehensive and modern deal.
It won’t just end tariffs on goods and slash red tape for businesses. It will open opportunities for our citizens to live and work in each other’s countries.
The FTA will allow us to enhance regulatory financial services cooperation, keep our digital markets open and boost collaboration.
I’ve no doubt that the deal’s focus on technology and innovation is going to be an amazing springboard for businesses, both in the UK and across Australia…
And firms here in Adelaide like Fivecast…the digital intelligence start-up that is now one of South Australia’s hotly tipped companies and which is expanding into the UK, will be at the heart of that success!
Our Free Trade Agreement also sets out our mutual commitment to answering the big questions around labour standards, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and clean energy to tackle the impacts of climate change.
As hosts of COP 26 last year in Glasgow, the UK set out our determination to help the world tackle the threats of climate change, not only by walking the walk at home with our 10-point plan, but also a sour number one foreign policy priority.
Our FTA opens the door to close collaboration between us as we both move to low carbon economies, to share our experiences, from the political to technical, from financial frameworks to challenging technologies.
A great example of this cooperation is, Wrightbus, a Northern Ireland-based business, providing hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technology to manufacturer called Volgren – so that you can develop zero emissions buses at pace, here in Australia.
Our Free Trade Agreement marks the start of a golden age of commerce between our countries.
A new door opened for our entrepreneurs and businesses to easily share goods, ideas, their people’s talents and innovations.
The UK is focused on ratifying the agreement as soon as possible.
The reason I have to head home tomorrow is because I’ll be presenting the enabling legislation for the FTA to the House of Commons on Tuesday – the next stage towards implementing this legislation, so our firms and citizens can start to enjoy its benefits.
I know your government is focused on moving ahead at pace too.
It is important to remember, that all the hours we’ve spent around the virtual negotiating tables will mean very little, if the Agreement’s benefits are not fully realised.
And I am the first to say that we shouldn’t expect busy companies to wade through 32 chapters and technical legal language either.
So, for the UK, an important next step will be spell out to our businesses, in practical terms, how they can harness the deal to grow.
We’ve already started this work and we’re liaising with our Australian partners on this process.
Fostering closer trade ties with Australia has a strategic, as well as an economic dimension.
Last year your leaders decided to start a new chapter in your naval defence journey, by rolling in a new closer relationship with the UK and the USA.
This new trilateral defence partnership is committed to the preserve of security and stability in the Indo Pacific.
Our AUKUS partnership will be a 50 year bond, starting with us working with Australia to start your requisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
I am personally committed to ensuring that the whole ecosystem…which is required to build, upskill and maintain our own UK submarine enterprise will be right alongside you, our Australian friends and allies, as you start on this complex and technically demanding defence commitment.
This will span everything from construction, to creating a nuclear engineering skills ecosystem, to training of your sailors, to the through-life, maintenance, support and decommissioning of your AUKUS submarines. This is an extraordinary journey you are embarking on
As well as the initial part of the journey the actual building of the submarines, AUKUS – is a deep strategic partnership – and reflection our mutual trust and long-term cooperation:
Through shared training of your and our submariners, to collaborating on our plans and sharing expertise – we will cement our nations’ geopolitical ties and better position ourselves to meet future challenges together.
The UK and Australia are continually exploring new opportunities to work, trade and invest together.
In fact, name pretty much any field and there’s an exciting joint project underway:
Last year, we launched the Space Bridge, which will open new trade, investment, research and collaboration opportunities for our respective space sectors.
In July, we signed a deal to allow British raw milk cheesemakers to sell their produce to Australia for the first time.
While a few days ago, in Sydney, I launched our Net Zero Innovation Handbook, which has been developed by our Digital Trade Network.
The handbook aims to highlight to Australian businesses, some of the exciting opportunities unlocked by UK companies on their net zero journeys.
It’s really valuable reading, so if you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to have a look.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I hope I have given you a sense of the scale of our joint ambition today.
I am very much focused on developing future trade and investment opportunities that will allow our relationship to flourish. I know Don is doing the same.
So one last thought:
Trade brings our nations closer, our businesses grow stronger and our citizens enjoy the rewards.
And from everything I’ve seen on this trip I know our businesses do want us to work more closely together…
So that we can build both our economic strength, and with it greater security…
…whether that’s through providing the clean energy that will power our homes and businesses, or by assuring safe international waters that enable the world’s shipping to move goods around the world.
We’ve achieved so much together already but we can look forward with anticipation that for our countries, there is a genuinely exciting future ahead…
Through our renewed and revitalised trading relationship that will bring immense benefits to us all.
Thank you
The statement made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for International Trade, in the House of Commons on 20 July 2022.
On Wednesday 20 July 2022, the Department for International Trade launched negotiations for a new, upgraded free trade agreement with Israel.
In line with our commitments to scrutiny and transparency, the Department for International Trade has published, and placed in the Libraries of both Houses, more information on these negotiations. This includes:
The United Kingdom’s strategic case for a UK-Israel free trade agreement (FTA)
Our objectives for the negotiations
A summary of the United Kingdom’s public consultation on trade with Israel
A scoping assessment, providing a preliminary economic assessment of the impact of the agreement.
The United Kingdom’s negotiating objectives for the upgraded agreement, published today, were informed by our call for input, which requested views from consumers, businesses, and other interested stakeholders across the United Kingdom on their priorities for enhancing our existing trading relationship with Israel.
These negotiations follow our signing of the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement on 18 February 2019.
A new and enhanced trade agreement with Israel is a key part of the United Kingdom’s strategy to secure advanced modern agreements with new international partners, and upgrade existing continuity agreements in order to better suit the UK economy.
Israel is an important trading partner for the United Kingdom, with trade worth £5 billion in 2021 despite the disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic to global trade. As two of the most innovative and dynamic economies in the world—both in the top 15 of the global innovation index—we know that the opportunities of the future will come from sectors in which we both excel, such as technology, research and development, digital and data.
Our existing agreement, which forms the basis of our current trading relationship, is outdated and not designed for a digital age. Originally signed in 1995 between Israel and the EU, it was developed before smartphones, artificial intelligence and the internet transformed our economies. While it allows tariff-free trade on 99% of UK goods exports by value, it currently contains scant provision for the United Kingdom’s thriving services sector. We intend to change this by putting services at the heart of a modern new agreement, which better benefits the UK economy. Upgrading our trade deal with Israel will help unlock a stronger, more advanced partnership. A new agreement could make it cheaper and easier for innovative UK services and tech companies to trade with Israel, benefiting sectors including finance, accountancy and legal. The new deal will play to our strengths, reflecting the realities of trading in the 21st century and allowing us to take advantage of future innovations.
Around 6,600 businesses from all four corners of the United Kingdom exported their goods to Israel in 2020. Of these firms, 5,600 were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The United Kingdom’s SMEs could be amongst the biggest winners from a new agreement with Israel, as we seek to make it easier to do business and focus on trade barriers that may have deterred them from previously entering this exciting marketplace.
The Government are determined that any agreement must work for consumers, producers, investors, and businesses alike. We remain committed to upholding our high environmental, labour, public health, food safety and animal welfare standards, alongside protecting the national health service.
The Government will continue to update and engage with key stakeholders, including Parliament and the devolved Administrations, throughout our negotiations with Israel.
The statement made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for International Trade, in the House of Commons on 19 July 2022.
The second round of UK-Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations began on 20 June and concluded on 24 June. Owing to concurrent negotiations with India and CPTPP, a limited number of sessions will be held outside of this week, including goods market access, scheduled for mid-July.
The negotiations were hosted by Canada and conducted in a hybrid fashion; 40 UK officials travelled to Ottawa for in-person discussions and a further 145 attended virtually from the United Kingdom. Technical discussions were held across 34 policy areas over 52 separate sessions.
During this round, the UK set out its policy positions, having tabled text for the majority of chapters. Discussions were constructive, reflecting a determination from both sides to make progress, although we are only in the early stages of negotiations.
The negotiations continue to reflect our shared ambition to secure a progressive deal which looks to build on the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement, and strengthens our existing trading relationship, already worth over £21 billion in 2021.
The third round of negotiations is due to take place in September 2022.
We remain clear that any deal the Government strike must be in the best interests of the British people and the economy.
The Government will keep Parliament updated as these negotiations progress.
The comments made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for International Trade, on 11 July 2022.
Ukrainian citizens are not only defending their country against Putin’s illegal war – they are trying to rebuild it.
Restoring public services, unblocking disrupted supply chains and re-open life-saving evacuation routes all need urgent and concerted action. President Zelenskyy is right that these challenges must be shared by countries and businesses around the world.
I was pleased to confirm the UK’s unflinching support to play our part in these efforts when I met Minister Kubrakov today.
I heard how families have emerged from bomb shelters to find their properties turned to rubble. So I want to make sure that UK companies can help by providing temporary bridges and modular, prefabricated housing to help – the same type of emergency housing the UK needed after World War Two.
Longer term, the UK will be providing expertise on the delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure through our brilliant UK-based businesses. And we’ll be continuing to work closely with Ukraine to offer them any help needed elsewhere, be it on energy, water, sanitation or public utilities.
It’s particularly poignant to have held the inaugural taskforce meeting in Poland.
Poland has been quite literally on the frontline of the efforts to support Ukraine against Putin. The government and its citizens have been extraordinarily generous in their support of Ukraine. It makes the UK even prouder than ever to call Poland a friend, and I’m pleased to have strengthened that friendship today.