Context
Successive UK Governments have believed that new trade treaties should contain essential human rights clauses, making the whole treaty conditional on these commitments. There is concern about whether this principle remains under the current government.
Question
What recent discussions she has had with UK trade partners on inserting clauses on human rights into future trade deals? Successive UK Governments have believed in the principle that new trade treaties should contain essential human rights clauses, making the whole of the treaty conditional on the commitments relating to human rights. Will the Minister confirm whether that principle remains under his Government or whether it has disappeared, along with the commitment to a 0.7% international aid target?
Answer from Ranil Jayawardena
We promote international objectives, including rights, through a mixture of approaches. Although others may be content with offering only handouts, we are determined to give our friends a hand up. So having taken back control of our trade policy, I can confirm that we will be looking to go further than the EU and we will be setting out our plans and launching a consultation on this very soon.
Not addressed: Did not specifically confirm whether the principle of including essential human rights clauses in trade treaties remains under his government.
How: Promoting International Objectives Through A Mixture Of Approaches, Determined To Give Our Friends A Hand Up
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