PAC report: Government must reveal true economic cost of trade agreements

Responding to the Public Accounts Committee Report warning that post-Brexit trade agreements may not provide any "actual economic benefits", Hilary Benn MP, Co-Chair of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said:

“This worrying report suggests that not only are we risking further economic hardship at a time of international instability and a cost of living crisis at home, but that the Government is unwilling to reveal the true economic cost of the agreements it is negotiating. 

“Ministers have a duty to protect British businesses, consumers and standards, so they must be open about the economic impact of what they are doing. They should also act on the recommendations set out in our Annual Report to address the deficiencies in their trade deals, including by providing crucial support to small businesses.”