Government consultation seeks views from all healthcare organisations on free trade agreements

The Department of International Trade has launched public consultations to seek views on potential free trade agreements with the United States, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Department’s intention to potentially seek accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The United States, Australia and New Zealand are some of our closest strategic allies with whom we have no existing trade agreements. The US is the UK's largest single national export market. Australia and NZ have a commitment to modern, high quality trade agreements. Whilst there are many other markets the UK will look to for new agreements in the future, agreements with these three countries can provide a strong start to delivery of the UK's independent trade policy. 

These four consultations, announced by the Secretary of State last week, have now been launched and are available online. They will remain open for 14 weeks and close on 26 October.

The consultations are a great opportunity for all healthcare organisations to share their views on the objectives and impacts of these potential agreements - all views are welcome.