Monday 13 May 2019

Campaign reply - Trade Bill - Commons consideration of Lords amendments




The UK government is one of the most open and transparent in the world – and long may that continue. It is vital that we can all scrutinise the process and decision making of our government. However there are other considerations too: national security; commercially sensitive information; privileged data and so on. These too, for the ultimate good of all should be taken fully into account.

My concern therefore that highly complex trade negotiations some of which will inevitably have commercially sensitive data or involve security issues should be subject to the scrutiny suggested is completely impractical. It would also delay and bog down talks. Further it would likely weaken our hand in our negotiations as competitors would inevitably be privy to matters best kept private during those negotiations.


Our parliamentary system, where the government is routinely held to account for the decisions it makes is in good working order. I see no reason to move away from that.