Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Future Trade Deals: Human Rights Clauses

Thursday 15 April 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK supports the promotion of its values globally through trade relationships.
  • UK has open discussions with trade partners on human rights issues.
  • Minister clarifies interpretation of Foreign Secretary's comments on trade deals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Virendra Sharma Lab
Business & Trade
Context

The MP asked about recent discussions with UK trade partners on human rights in future trade agreements, prompted by concerns over the balance between economic interests and ethical considerations.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with UK trade partners on inserting clauses on human rights into future trade deals. Does not doing so mean we are compromising our values for profit?

Answer from Greg Hands

The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally. We are clear that more trade does not have to come at the expense of human rights. Although our approach to agreements will vary between partners, our strong economic relationships allow us to have open discussions on a range of issues, including human rights and responsibilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or concrete details about how human rights are incorporated into trade deals were not provided.

How: We Are Clear That More Trade Does Not Have To Come At The Expense Of Human Rights

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Q2 Patricia Gibson SNP
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

A leaked recording suggested the Foreign Secretary's view that profit should not be sacrificed for upholding international human rights standards, prompting concerns about policy clarity and consistency.

Question

In a leaked recording last month, the Foreign Secretary said he wants to do trade deals with countries that violate international standards on human rights as not doing so would mean missing out on profit. Will the record now be set straight? Does the Minister recognise the remarks made by the Foreign Secretary as Government policy and is this the view shared by the Department for International Trade?

Answer from Greg Hands

I think the hon. Lady has misquoted the Foreign Secretary in her account of what he said, but let me be absolutely clear that we will continue to encourage all states to uphold international human rights obligations. The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally and remains absolutely committed to its international obligations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific recognition or clarification regarding the Foreign Secretary's comments were not provided, and no direct engagement with the Department for International Trade's stance was given.

How: I Think The Hon. Lady Has Misquoted The Foreign Secretary In Her Account Of What He Said

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Q3 Virendra Sharma Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP followed up on earlier discussions about human rights in trade deals, focusing on the Foreign Secretary's comments about certain countries being 'beyond the pale' for trade agreements.

Question

Last month, the Foreign Secretary explained that there were some countries whose behaviour on human rights put them “beyond the pale” when it comes to trade agreements, but that otherwise we should be open to deals with anyone. Can the Minister of State save us some time by listing those countries whose behaviour the Government regard as beyond the pale and those that they regard as acceptable?

Answer from Greg Hands

Again, I will have to go back and see exactly what the Foreign Secretary said, but I think the hon. Gentleman's interpretation of what he said is not quite right. Let us be absolutely clear. I ask him to have a look at the roll-over trade agreements we have already done with 66 countries and see if he can identify any diminution of human rights in the agreements we have already done.

Not addressed: The specific list requested was not provided, instead inviting the MP to examine existing agreements.

How: I Will Have To Go Back And See Exactly What The Foreign Secretary Said

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