Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Friday, 5 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Costa Rica to join UK as member of £13 trillion in GDP global trade bloc, published on 7 May 2026, whether his Department plans to support additional to countries applying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Answer: As outlined in the Government's Trade Strategy, the UK remains committed to the expeditious expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to new high-standards economies. One of the biggest opportunities from CPTPP comes from expanding the membership, thereby increasing the economic and strategic benefits of the agreement to the UK. The UK continues to work with CPTPP members to consider applications to join the group. Uruguay is currently going through the accession process, and CPTPP Parties have indicated an interest in beginning accession processes with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4654
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk