United Kingdom – Conversation between Franck Riester and Greg Hands, Minister of State for Trade Policy (5 May 2021)

Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will speak today with Greg Hands, British Minister of State for Trade Policy.

The minister delegate will discuss the importance of fully implementing and upholding the Withdrawal Agreement, especially the Northern Ireland Protocol, as well as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, notably in order to ensure a level playing field.

The minister delegate will underscore the importance of strengthening the multilateral trade system. He will reaffirm France’s support for the establishment of a carbon border adjustment mechanism and his attachment to the key role of the G7 with respect to trade and sustainable development. The minister delegate will also discuss the dispute between Airbus and Boeing and will reaffirm the need to find a swift solution.

Lastly, the minister delegate will reiterate to the British minister of state the need for France to be able to continue to send volunteers in the international internship (VIE) program to the United Kingdom and to swiftly define the appropriate framework.