“Deal with the devil” – Carmichael backs bill to require vote on Trump trade agreement

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed the introduction today of a Bill which would require a vote in Parliament on any trade deal agreed by the government with the United States of America. The Bill, led by fellow Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord, passed First Reading in the House of Commons without opposition today. In backing the Bill, Mr Carmichael noted the widespread concern about the potential for a trade deal with the US undercutting UK food standards and food producers.

Mr Carmichael is also a co-sponsor of a second Bill introduced today by Clive Jones MP, which would require parliamentary approval of all trade agreements made by the government.

Mr Carmichael said:

“I am glad to see this Bill make progress today so that we can continue to press the government for a straight vote on any trade deal they strike with Donald Trump. So far they have refused to commit to a vote on the floor of the House of Commons – that surely cannot stand.

“Farmers, crofters and many more people besides are seriously concerned that the government could agree to put chlorine-treated chicken on our supermarket shelves as part of a ‘deal with the devil’ in the form of Donald Trump. We cannot allow our world-class food standards to be put on the chopping block – still more so when we know that Trump has form for betraying those he cuts trade deals with anyway.

“If the government is sensible they will agree immediately to a simple vote on any deal with the US, if it comes to pass. If they believe that such an agreement is in the national interest then it should not be a hard concession to make.”