Written questions by Jogee.

Whether he plans to consult with (a) civil society and (b) the representatives of workers over (i) active and (ii) prospective free trade agreement negotiations.

Economic growth is the first mission of this government and Free Trade Agreements have an important role to play in achieving that, alongside other levers of trade policy. The Department for Business and Trade deeply values the views of civil society and the representatives of workers. We seek their input, alongside the input of business and the public, through the public consultations that have been conducted before each negotiation begins, and in continuous engagement with ministers and officials throughout the lifecycle of a negotiation. The input we receive feeds into our negotiating objectives, to ensure we strike agreements that deliver growth for the public.

When his Department plans to publish a trade strategy.

We intend to publish the Trade Strategy in the Spring.The Trade Strategy will focus on the ways that trade is changing and how the UK can take a forward-facing approach to drive economic growth. It will be consistent with the Government’s Industrial Strategy and Small Business Plan.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the implementation of existing free trade agreements.

The UK Government continually assesses the implementation of free trade agreements in order to maximise their benefit for business and support economic growth. We exploit opportunities to protect and secure further access to these markets, and will align our implementation approach with the upcoming Trade Strategy that will consider how to use every lever available to drive growth, including FTAs.