Brazil Trade Agreement Environmental Standards 2021-01-14
2021-01-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions about enhancing environmental standards in a bilateral trade agreement between the UK and Brazil, following concerns raised by deforestation and poor working conditions.
What discussions has she had with her Brazilian counterpart on enhancing environmental standards as part of a bilateral trade agreement? I have had recent correspondence with the Brazilian ambassador who refuses to acknowledge that deforestation is an issue in the Amazon. There are also reports about terrible working conditions on beef farms akin to modern slavery. What more can be done to ensure these concerns are raised and addressed?
The United Kingdom has committed £259 million through its international climate finance programme to tackle deforestation. This includes programmes that reward pioneers in forest conservation and have protected 430,000 acres of land.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on how future trade deals will condition Brazil's actions regarding deforestation and worker rights were not specified.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Brazilian ambassador's refusal to acknowledge deforestation as an issue and reports of poor working conditions on beef farms.
What more can be done to ensure not only that these concerns are raised in discussions with Brazil but that any future bilateral trade deal is conditional on Brazil taking action to stop the abuse of workers and the deforestation? I have had recent correspondence with the Brazilian ambassador who refuses to acknowledge that deforestation is an issue in the Amazon. There are also reports about terrible working conditions on beef farms akin to modern slavery.
The United Kingdom has already committed £259 million through its international climate finance programme to tackle deforestation, including programmes that reward pioneers in forest conservation and have protected 430,000 acres of land.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on how future trade deals will condition Brazil's actions regarding deforestation and worker rights were not specified.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about a potential trade deal with Brazil threatening UK poultry and meat production due to lower standards, given the cost of leaving the EU.
Will the Minister ensure that lower meat production standards do not get on the table in any way, shape or form? What is the GDP gain of a deal with Brazil? Do the Government have that figure?
We are firmly committed to upholding our high environmental, food safety and animal welfare standards now that we are outside the EU. We can also go further on trade, including recently opening new opportunities for fish by securing approval from Brazil for seven new British fisheries facilities.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on protecting UK meat production standards or the economic impact of a deal with Brazil were not provided.
Response accuracy