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Hot off the press, the Government has put out a paper setting out proposals for scrutiny of new trade agreements. Progress, though still feels a little reluctant. Positive step - a Parliamentary committee will scrutinise. Good. But...
Parliament still doesn't get any real vote. So we're going to be in the same situation as per Brexit, where we don't know if there is a Parliamentary majority. There should be an amendable motion up front to ensure there is genuine clarity and consensus
Reports of each round are welcome, as are more confidential briefs for the Parliamentary committee. But more thought needs to be given to whether text can be released during the process - the secrecy question otherwise looms
The devolved consultation also feels inadequate, though that is sort of recognised. Impact assessments are welcome, but the one at the end should probably be independent (arguably Parliament could commission that but tricky)
The biggest problem with all of this is that the Government are saying that prerogative powers over treaties must be upheld, which delivers a closed result. It should be that because trade agreements will be controversial they need open engagement to gain support. More to do...
One more thing I missed, an annual report setting out Government progress across all negotiations. Good. Even better if it also covers trade policy work with countries where there are no active negotiations.
