Reports to The Prime Minister Term length No fixed term | Seat Westminster, London | |
 | ||
Style The Right Honourable
(Formal prefix)
International Trade Secretary Member of British Cabinet
Board of Trade
Privy Council Appointer The British Monarch
on advice of the Prime Minister | ||
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for International Trade (International Trade Secretary) is a cabinet ministerial position in the government of the United Kingdom. The secretary of state is responsible for overseeing the Department for International Trade, which negotiates new international trade agreements with other countries for the United Kingdom. The position was created by Prime Minister Theresa May, shortly after she took office on 13 July 2016. The purpose behind this new role follows the result of the 2016 European Union membership referendum on 23 June 2016, in which 51.9% of voters voted in favour of leaving the European Union. Withdrawal from the European Union will require new trade agreements to be formed.
The inaugural holder is Liam Fox who was appointed on 13 July 2016. The Secretary of State also holds the title of President of the Board of Trade.
Office-holders
Colour key (for political parties):
Conservative