Labour keen to re-negotiate TPP – Little
Labour would welcome the chance to negotiate a Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact if it did not get United States approval this year, leader Andrew Little said yesterday.
In a major speech on international affairs in Wellington, Little underscored Labour’s continuing ‘‘engagement’’ and his rejection of ‘‘isolationism’’, despite the party’s opposition to the TPP in its current form, saying it was proudly a free trade party.
‘‘Despite our longstanding support of free trade, there have to be some bottom lines when international obligations threaten parts of our sovereignty, undercutting our ability to chart our own course in the world,’’ he said.
‘‘In the case of the TPP, we cannot support the erosion of sovereignty this agreement would entail. New Zealanders must have the right to elect a government that will give them the same protections from global housing speculators that Australians enjoy today. But the TPP would prevent that.’’
He said the 12-country trade agreement, which includes Japan and the US, offered a weak deal on dairy. But he said the question could become moot. If the US does not ratify it, it would die – and both presidential candidates – Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton – were opposed to the TPP.
‘‘It’s getting too late for President Obama to try to pass it before he leaves office. Congress already defeated him once on trade this year, and something big needs to change before he’ll risk being defeated again,’’ Little said.
‘‘If TPP doesn’t progress this year, Labour would welcome the chance to be part of resumed negotiations leading to an agreement that does away with more tariffs, without curtailing the ability of countries to make laws in their own interests.’’
Little also reiterated Labour’s commitment to an independent foreign policy. He welcomed the US decision to send a naval vessel to New Zealand in November, ending a 30-year freeze on such visits since New Zealand adopted its nuclear free policy in the 1980s.
‘‘The next Labour government plans to redouble our efforts towards international agreements that further reduce nuclear stockpiles, as we strive for a world free from the constant threat of nuclear annihilation,’’ Little said.
‘‘Our spirit of independence also extends to our closest mate, Australia. If we see wrong being done, we will call them out on it, as we have done over their immigration policy and deportation decisions. Doing so does not detract from our firm and enduring commitment to the highest quality bilateral relationship.’’
Little also criticised those who favoured ‘‘the project of a smaller, weaker state for its own sake’’ which he said had failed.
‘‘Instead, we need a peaceful global order marked by more active states, who take seriously the responsibility to deliver security to their citizens and an active civil society.’’