Liam Fox: there’s no ‘secrecy’ on UK trade deals | Letters

The international trade secretary says the government is committed to developing future trade policy in a transparent way, while Mike Watkins asks why the media gave Boris Johnson's Brexit speech so much coverage, but largely ignored John McDonnell's on nationalising public service provision

George Monbiot's article (Resist a US trade deal. Your life may depend on it, 14 February) makes a number of claims surrounding "secrecy" of UK trade deals, our negotiations capacity and our approach to standards. Unfortunately, those with an anti-globalisation and anti-trade agenda will be encouraged in their actions which can only damage developing countries and push up prices for ordinary families at home.

The government publishes clear guidelines on how we share information, which the UK-US trade working group strictly follows. However, it will not surprise readers that we also need to share information with other states confidentially, in order to ensure continuing close commercial and diplomatic relations. In addition, we have committed to developing our future trade policy in a transparent way and have invited views on the UK's approach, including to future free trade agreements, and are continuing to consult and meet with a wide range of stakeholders. This work is ongoing.

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