The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership sets clear and consistent rules in the intellectual property sector which will be of benefit to both UK businesses and consumers. It would be inappropriate to comment on the specific matters raised as negotiations on the terms of the UK’s accession are ongoing.

The UK possesses a world leading intellectual property regime, and it will not sign trade deals that compromise it. Our membership of the European Patent Convention (EPC) is an important part of that regime, by providing an efficient mechanism for innovative UK businesses to protect their inventions across 38 states. The UK takes its international obligations seriously and our accession negotiations will be consistent with our national interest and wider Government priorities, which include our continued alignment with the European Patent Convention and other international IP treaties.

In 2014, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills conducted a review of the impact on the UK labour market of the UK Working Time Regulations. These Working Time Regulations implemented the EU Working Time Directive into UK law. The report is attached, but can also be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-time-regulations-impact-on-uk-labour-market