Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Human Rights: Trade Deals

Tuesday 20 July 2021 · 5 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • FCDO Ministers discuss trade-related issues regularly with Cabinet colleagues, emphasizing human rights.
  • Colombia is an FCDO human rights priority country; the UK raises concerns about human rights abuses there.
  • The UK aims to integrate its human rights principles into trade agreements but specifics on forthcoming statements are not provided.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

Discussions on inserting clauses to protect human rights in future trade agreements.

Question

What recent discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on inserting clauses on human rights in future trade deals?

Answer from James Cleverly

FCDO Ministers are in regular contact with Cabinet colleagues on a range of trade-related issues and we are clear that more trade does not have to come at the expense of our commitment to human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about recent discussions or clauses being inserted into trade deals were not provided.

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

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Q2 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Foreign Affairs
Context

Protests in Colombia have faced brutal violence from the police, raising concerns about human rights violations despite a trade agreement with human rights clauses.

Question

Given recent violent protests and human rights abuses in Colombia, will the UK Government signal their commitment to uphold the human rights clause in the UK-Colombia free trade agreement?

Answer from James Cleverly

Colombia is an FCDO human rights priority country and we take reports of violence against social leaders and human rights defenders seriously. We raise our concerns with the Colombian Government and in multilateral forums, but the UK continues to have open discussions on a range of issues including trade.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments to uphold the human rights clause were not provided.

How: We Raise Our Concerns With The Colombian Government And In Multilateral Forums.

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Q3 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

Concerns that signing trade agreements with countries known for human rights abuses undermines the UK's commitment to human rights.

Question

Will the Minister confirm here and now that it is our foreign policy to defend human rights and the rule of law across the world? Does he agree that without human rights clauses in trade deals, this undermines such a policy?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK is proud of its vocal stance on human rights internationally. Having an open trade policy does not contradict our passion for promoting human rights, but the Minister suggests writing to the Department with specific concerns about forthcoming agreements and their human rights elements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct confirmation or commitments regarding the inclusion of human rights clauses were provided.

How: If You Have Particular Concerns, Please Feel Free To Write To The Department.

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Q4 Alex Cunningham Lab
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns over human rights abuses in Cameroon and whether these were considered before granting a trade deal with the UK.

Question

What level of abuse is acceptable for similar oppressive regimes to grant them a trade deal with the UK, following justifications based on reduced human rights abuses against their people?

Answer from James Cleverly

We continue to monitor the situation in Cameroon closely and raise our concerns directly with the Cameroonian Government. Increased trade will not come at the expense of our commitment to human rights, but specific details on acceptable levels of abuse were not provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific level of abuse was defined or addressed.

How: We Continue To Monitor And Raise Concerns Directly.

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Q5 Alyn Smith
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

Concerns that the Department for International Trade's statement lacks mention of human rights, slave labour or workers' rights.

Question

In a constructive spirit, I urge an FCDO statement to ensure cooperation between trade and foreign policy areas so future deals can raise standards in vital areas like human rights. Will we see such a statement?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK's commitment to human rights is a foundation of its foreign policy, and trade agreements will include exporting our principles. However, specific details about the SNP's stance or an FCDO statement were not provided, only rhetorical responses.

Not addressed: No direct response was given regarding the cooperation between trade and foreign policy areas or future statements from the FCDO.

How: The Snp Will Always Find Excuses To Say No To A Deal.

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