Following the UK's vote to leave the European Union, the Government has made clear that the UK will be leaving the Single Market and the Customs Union. This means that the UK will be able to operate a fully independent trade policy. I am pleased to note that the Department for International Trade is examining options to ensure continued access to trade agreements negotiated by the European Union which the UK is already party to, in addition to being committed to concluding new free trade agreements.

Indeed, I am determined that the UK should become a world leader in free trade and that we should secure the right deals for the British economy. These bespoke deals, like all treaties, will be scrutinised by our Parliament. As Parliament does so, I believe it is hugely important that the views of businesses large and small and from a broad range of sectors continue to be taken into account.

I entirely understand your concerns about a potential future trade deal between the UK and the United States. I believe the Government's ambition must be for a mutually beneficial UK-US bilateral trade deal once we have left the EU. The United States is our single largest export market, accounting for around £150 billion worth of UK exports a year. 

As an important partner and ally, I am reassured that the UK will look to get the right deal with the US after the UK leaves the EU, but will remain committed to existing EU trade deals while still a member of the EU.  I understand all trade agreements will be looked at in the context of the UK becoming a fairer and more global, outward-facing country.  Parliament will, of course, have a role to play in the scrutiny and ratification of such trade deals. 

I am pleased to report that the Government is working with the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure future trade deals work for the whole of the UK. The Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, the Rt Hon David Davis MP, is providing the leaders of the devolved governments with regular opportunities to help shape the UK's exit from the EU. I hope this approach helps to allay your fears regarding the future of devolution but I think it is also important to state that however much the devolved administrations and other regional stakeholders are consulted, the UK will negotiate our EU exit and sign future trade deals as one country.