Import and export

Britain's success as a trading nation owes much to the part that Parliament has played in providing vital support and encouragement.

Over the past three centuries Parliament's regulation of British trade has been much influenced by changing attitudes, policies and principles.

At the same time, Parliament has also helped to initiate major projects for building the docks and ports which have allowed for the inward and outward flow of goods.

Overview

Since the 17th century Parliament has seen British trade as central to Britain's prosperity. Find out more about how Parliament has supported trade

Key dates

Key dates

See at a glance the main turning-points in the way Parliament has regulated trade

Contemporary context

Contemporary context

The importance of the European Union in the UK's trading relations

Further your research

Further your research

More in depth sources on the history and development of British trade and how it has been supported by Parliament