We must ensure that developing nations share in the benefits of trade alongside the great opportunities increased trade brings to this country. I have always believed that free trade is one of the most powerful tools we have to help those in the greatest need around the world. We must make sure that poorer countries have the tools they require to be able to trade their way out of poverty.
We will seek continuity in our trading relationships with developing countries as we leave the European Union, which includes replicating the effects of the EU's Economic Partnership (EPAs). As we leave the EU, we will also secure existing duty-free access for the world's poorest countries to UK markets. This commitment means that around 48 least developed countries across the globe will continue to benefit from duty-free exports into the UK on all goods, excluding arms and ammunition. Our partner countries also want this continuity to be maintained as we leave the EU, and the Government has made clear that it wishes to update these agreements once we have left the EU.
The UK remains fully committed to promoting and delivering the sustainable development goals and is the first and only G7 country to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on overseas development assistance. There will be inclusive, meaningful and transparent scrutiny, and this scrutiny will be coherent with the need to ensure we do not undermine our negotiating position.