Pacific trade bloc

[individualmember]

The UK is going to apply to join the pacific trade partnership.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-a ... rmIkvWDKOE

So I’m wondering how can it be that we can’t join the EEA or EFTA because rule-taking, but we can with the CPTPP?

[Lew Dolby]

What I was wondering (and I can't seem to find a definitive answer anywhere) is - Is this trade thing one of those with secret courts run by and for large businesses who can sue governments if they bring in laws that affect profits - but no reciprocation, governments can't sue if companies make decisions that cut tax takes ??

[veravista]

Well, according to the Australian Trade dept (dfat.gov.au) we would have to 1) join the newly established labour council for dispute resolution, 2) be subject to the International Labour Organisation rules regarding workers rights and welfare and 3) be subject to the usual tariffs and non-tariff barriers for typically 5 years and even then may not get free trade.

f.cking win win

[Martin Y]

Oh, well that's obviously no good. Like Groucho said, I'd never be a member of a club that... had rules. Or something.

[Woodchopper]

Well, according to the Australian Trade dept (dfat.gov.au) we would have to 1) join the newly established labour council for dispute resolution, 2) be subject to the International Labour Organisation rules regarding workers rights and welfare and 3) be subject to the usual tariffs and non-tariff barriers for typically 5 years and even then may not get free trade.

f.cking win win

On 2) Britain has been a member of the International Labour Organisation for over a century and has ratified all the major treaties. So no problem with that clause.

[Millennie Al]

What I was wondering (and I can't seem to find a definitive answer anywhere) is - Is this trade thing one of those with secret courts run by and for large businesses who can sue governments if they bring in laws that affect profits - but no reciprocation, governments can't sue if companies make decisions that cut tax takes ??

It appears that the answer is both yes and no: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehen ... artnership because the USA wanted those things but Trump withdrew the USA from the partnership, so the remaining members got rid of or weakened the objectionable stuff.