(2) what assessment he has made of the UK's responsibility under the Cotonou Agreement not to apply standard generalised system of preferences import duties on imports from Africa, Caribbean and Pacific non-least developed countries which are not in a position to enter into an economic partnership agreement with the EU by 1 January 2008; and whether he has taken legal advice on the matter.
The UK Government’s 2005 position paper on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) states that
“The Commission should be ready to provide an alternative to an EPA at the request of any African, Caribbean or Pacific (ACP) country.”
This remains our position. We would be very happy to consider and implement a WTO compatible alternative if put forward by any member of the ACP. However, the ACP have made it clear that they are committed to completing EPA negotiations by the end of this year and the UK Government consider it a priority to work with them towards that goal.
In the event that the deadline is not met in any of the regions, our position is that we would like to see arrangements which are least disruptive to ACP exporters and that do not leave the ACP any worse off than they are under current arrangements.