To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP); and if so, what assessment they have made of the length of time that that it would take for the UK to join the TPP.
Answered on
31 July 2018
As set out by the Secretary of State in a Written Ministerial Statement on Wednesday 18th July, the UK will potentially seek accession to Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which includes some of the world's fastest growing economies that together represent 13-14% of global GDP, and a total population of around 500m people. If the UK were to join, it would be the second largest economy in the group, and CPTPP’s coverage of global GDP would increase to around 17%.. The launch of a 14-week public consultation clearly signals the UK’s intent. This will of course depend on a process of accession for new members being established. The earliest we could seek accession could be after March 2019.