Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Brazil Trade Agreement: Environmental Standards

Thursday 14 January 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has committed 259 million to tackle deforestation through its international climate finance programme.
  • This includes programmes that protect 430,000 acres of land and reward pioneers in forest conservation.
  • The UK government is committed to upholding high environmental, food safety, and animal welfare standards in trade deals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate Business & Trade Environment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on how future trade deals will condition Brazil's actions regarding deforestation and worker rights were not specified.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade Environment
Context

The Brazilian ambassador's refusal to acknowledge deforestation as an issue and reports of poor working conditions on beef farms.

Question

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.

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on how future trade deals will condition Brazil's actions regarding deforestation and worker rights were not specified.

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Q3 Angus MacNeil SNP
Brexit Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on protecting UK meat production standards or the economic impact of a deal with Brazil were not provided.

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