Link to the call for evidence:

committees.parliament.uk/work/9341/uk...

The letter urges the Government to avoid signing up to vague commitments on US supply chain security requirements and economic security, and to ensure it retains flexibility to negotiate with other trading partners.

The UK-US 'deal' provides welcome relief for industry, but poses risks to multilateral system, the letter says. It offers considerations for Government in its ongoing engagement with the US in relation to trade, based on a recent short inquiry.

The report also includes recommendations on:

✅ EU data adequacy
✅The use of source code provisions in FTAs
✅ Cooperation with international partners on issues ranging from emerging tech, electronic trade documents & regulating personal data
✅ Stakeholder engagement

🔗Link to IAC WTO Session with Simon Manley, Permanent Representative, UK Mission to WTO & Claire Vince
Director of Global Trade and Delivery at Department for Business and Trade

Transcript available soon
committees.parliament.uk/event/22387/...

Challenges?

🤝Agreement is difficult. Some members treat consensus rule as unanimity requirement.
🙋UK advocates "responsible consensus" as a solution.
👨‍⚖️Disputes being appealed "into the void". Active discussion in government currently re solutions/MPIA

committees.parliament.uk/event/22387/...

UK's priorities at the WTO:

🐟Entry into force of Fisheries Agreement (stage 1 agreement)
🐠Reach agreement on Fisheries 2
👨‍⚖️progress on dispute settlement reform (joining MPIA "under active consideration")
🛜progress on E-Commerce JSI adoption/implementation

🧑‍⚕️On Tuesday, Simon Manley, Perm Rep to WTO told the Committee that "we shouldn't underestimate the health of the organisation" and that "the resilience of rules and processes remains important"

Despite obstacles, there is a determination to pursue action within the WTO, he said.