Policy paper

Interministerial Group for Trade Communiqué: 5 July 2022

Updated 3 January 2024

The Interministerial Group (Trade) met 5 July 2022 via video conference. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of State for Trade Policy, Penny Mordaunt MP.

The other attending ministers were:

  • from the Scottish Government: Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Scottish Government, Ivan McKee MSP
  • from the Welsh Government: Minister for the Economy, Vaughan Gething MS
  • from Northern Ireland: Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons MLA
  • from the UK government: Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Lord Offord

Ministers confirmed and adopted the terms of reference for the group.

An update on the UK government’s plans to sign and develop memoranda of understanding with US states was provided. It was noted that early and effective engagement would be beneficial for all members of the group. Ministers agreed to monitor progress on this moving forward.

The UK’s Deputy Chief Negotiator for the UK-India free trade agreement (FTA) provided an overview on the current state of negotiations for ministers. The group noted the complexity of the negotiations and evidence and analysis on interests specific to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales was set out by relevant ministers. It was agreed engagement should continue in depth between UK government and devolved officials as the negotiations progress.

Ministers welcomed the updates and discussion at the group and agreed to reconvene immediately.