At International Trade Questions this morning I questions the Minister, Greg Hands, on the UK’s future trade agreement with Europe. He said he was looking forward to getting the trade agreement he believes is “in the interests of both sides” – I just hope he’s right…

You can watch our exchange here or read the full text below.

Full Text

Question – Vicky Foxcroft

“Mr Speaker, for British companies who trade overseas, the one thing guaranteed to make a very bad situation even worse right now would be the loss of free, frictionless trade with the rest of the EU at the end of this year. So can the Minister reassure UK firms that the top priority when it comes to trade is securing the free trade agreement that we need with Europe?”

Response – Greg Hands

“Well Mr Speaker, of course and the UK – and the honourable Lady will have seen – the UK is continuing those negotiations. The chief negotiator, David Frost, has been doing these virtually. We have completed the first round and we look forward to getting the trade agreement that I believe is in the interests of bot sides which will bring relief to British business and other at this important time.”