New statistics released last week reveal that British businesses are already benefiting from the ability to trade freely with Canada without paying any duties at Canadian customs.

UK exports of goods to Canada have increased by 13.7% to £6.15 billion in the last 12 months since a new free trade agreement was introduced.

The growth in exports coincides with the provisional implementation of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in September 2017.

It is a significant increase when compared to the 5 years prior to the agreement being introduced, which saw annual trade increase by an average of just 3.9%.

CETA is one of the most extensive EU free trade agreements to date and removes 98% of export duties that are currently in place.

The food and drink industry was previously subject to tariffs of up to 11% but these have now been reduced to zero in most cases.

Meanwhile, auto tariffs are being reduced from 6.1% down to zero over several years so the British motor industry is expected to benefit even more in the years ahead.

Meat exports to Canada increased by 36.3% last year to £2.8m and wine exports grew by 16.6% to £1.75 million.

A significant proportion of UK exports pass through Liverpool Port, which account for 77% meat exports and 47% of wine exports. The city is a major gateway to Canada thanks to its strategic location and its importance is expected to grow even further as a result to a £400 million expansion project.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said:

The rapid growth in UK exports to Canada is great news for British people, who are already seeing how our free trade agenda can help to create jobs, boost economic growth and provide more choice for consumers.

CETA is one of the most ambitious free trade agreements and it will eliminate almost every tariff on goods between our two nations, giving a boost to a range of British businesses from our motor industry to our brewers and distillers.

We are committed to transitioning this deal into UK law after we leave the EU and the Department for International Trade is on hand to help even more British businesses establish a strong foothold in the Canadian market.

CETA was formally ratified by the UK last month and has the potential to boost UK GDP by hundreds of millions of pounds in the long-run and create jobs for British and Canadian workers. It has so far been ratified by 12 countries and it will come fully into force once all EU members have ratified it.

The UK and Canadian Prime Ministers have both committed to seeking to seamlessly transition CETA into a bilateral deal that will allow UK and Canadian companies to enjoy as free and frictionless trade as possible after the UK leaves the European Union.

RAF Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth this morning for the first time with the Meteor Air-to-Air missile in defence of UK airspace during a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission.

This event represents the culmination of many years of research, development and testing to bring this advanced weapon into service on front-line aircraft.

RAF Typhoons maintain a constant state of readiness to defend the sovereignty of British skies. The introduction of Meteor brings a new and innovative long-range capability and further enhances Typhoon’s already potent arsenal. This year they have been scrambled for a variety of incidents including intercepting Russian bombers approaching UK airspace.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

This latest missile system demonstrates the next chapter of the Typhoon which will see the jet evolve its ability to target and destroy any airborne threat at great distances. The Meteor missile will provide an unrelenting deterrence to those who wish harm upon the UK and our Armed Forces.

The RAF’s prized Typhoon Force is unquestionably now the cornerstone of British and NATO military power. It has proved itself in combat roles over Libya, Iraq and Syria, protecting UK skies and overseas territories, and providing critical support to our NATO Allies in Eastern Europe.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said:

RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters are now armed with the most advanced Air to Air missile in the world, the MBDA developed ramjet powered Meteor. Another huge leap forward in capability for the Typhoon Force, which is proud to continue defending the UK and our allies, 24/7.

The missile system is a worthy investment as it can fly in any weather condition, perform against all current and known future threats; including combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles/missiles and will eventually operate from the F-35 Lightning aircraft. Crucially, the Meteor and launch aircraft will be networked by a datalink ensuring highly accurate and intelligent air strikes.

The pilot flying the first Meteor equipped Typhoon said:

The responsibility of flying such a capable platform, armed with this formidable weapon is immense, but the options this gives us in responding to an emergency situation cannot be understated.

Meteor is a state of the art complex weapon developed by a six nation European partnership led by the UK. It is built and manufactured by MBDA in Stevenage and has created 430 jobs across the country.

The RAF will continue to develop the missile through life, in-step with our International Defence and Industrial partners, supporting the UK Aerospace Industry, while maintaining the UK’s sovereign ‘capability edge’.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has launched ‘The 12 Rules of Christmas’, to help consumers shop safely for children’s presents this Christmas.

Working with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), Netmums, and the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), the Office is warning against buying second rate toys with 12 simple checks when buying for children.

The variety of toys on offer means the occasional second-rate product can sneak onto the market, so always complete these 12 checks when buying for kids.

1. Look for the CE symbol: This means the manufacturer has assessed the toy for safety.

2. Check it’s for kids: Festive novelties can look like toys. Keep them away from kids.

3. Reputation matters: Buy from suppliers who have a good reputation for safe and reliable toys. They’ll be required to meet high standards and can answer your questions.

4. Beware of bargains: Jumble and car boot sales are a great place to get a good deal, but it’s worth taking extra care. Worn or old toys may no longer be safe.

5. Check age restrictions: Toys are clearly marked with age restrictions. It’s important to follow these as they relate to risks such as sharp points or choking hazards.

6. Consider special needs: When checking age restrictions, remember that children with special needs might be more vulnerable, and make sure to shop accordingly.

7. Choking hazards: Small parts and loose or shedding fabric or hair can be a choking hazard.

8. Loose parts: Loose ribbons on toys and costumes can also be dangerous, especially if a child is left unsupervised. Think before you buy.

9. Inspect your toy boxes: Check toys you already own to see if they’re too worn. Wear and tear can expose sharp edges or filling. If it’s a family favourite, get the toy properly repaired.

10. Supervise when you need to: Some toys like chemistry sets need an adult on hand during playtime. Read all the instructions so you know how to control any hazards.

11. Tidy up: Boxes, plastic bags and wire can be a hazard. Clear away all packaging once everything’s unwrapped.

12. Celebrate a safe Christmas: Completing these checks when you shop in store and online can save you a lot of stress later. Just make sure to remember batteries (and dispose of these safely too)!

Help spread the word by downloading the A5 leaflet (PDF, 523KB, 2 pages) leaflet and Poster (PDF, 1.08MB, 1 page) poster. If you’re on Twitter, follow @OfficeforSandS and #12rulesofChristmas

Published 10 December 2018

Package of measures to increase transparency and tackle corruption unveiled today.