Liam Fox: no ‘Henry VIII powers’ in trade bill | Letter

In an editorial (13 November) you claim that the trade bill is “effectively granting ministers the power to write law behind parliament’s back” with “Henry VIII powers”. This claim is repeated in a column by George Monbiot (18 November).

This is untrue. The powers in the bill will only allow for amendment of secondary legislation covering existing trade agreements, and secondary legislation is still subject to parliamentary oversight.

Furthermore, these existing agreements have been scrutinised through the EU legislative process and through parliament and the relevant EU committees. Our bill therefore will simply continue existing trading arrangements, allowing us to reassure our international partners, businesses and investors.

Discussions are ongoing on the legislative framework for the implementation of new trade agreements signed once we have left the EU. That is not covered in this bill, and any arrangements for future trade agreements will be set out in separate legislation.

Specifically, this legislation will ensure existing trade arrangements, which we are already party to through our EU membership, will continue to apply after we have left – providing continuity in trading relationships for UK businesses.

Contrary to your claims that I am “not interested in what businesses, trade unions and other affected parties have to say on the subject”, the bill follows my personal engagement with a variety of stakeholders over the past few weeks.

We are continuing to consult with a wide range of stakeholders going forwards.
Liam Fox MP
International trade secretary

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