Future Trade Deals Workers’ Rights 2021-07-15
2021-07-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over the impact of upcoming trade agreements on worker rights.
What recent steps have been taken to ensure that the rights of workers are protected in future trade deals?
While the detail of free trade agreements is necessarily sensitive, we have committed in our public mandates to protecting our world-leading labour standards. For example, in our agreement in principle with Australia, a commitment was made to a chapter on labour that will lock in high domestic protections for our workers.
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Assessment & feedback
Steps taken for countries with poor track records on labor rights were not addressed specifically.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Colombia is the deadliest place for trade unionists, with 22 murders of union activists recorded in the past year alone.
Does the Minister regret the agreement of a trade deal with Colombia that has poor protection and enforcement of workers' rights?
The hon. Lady will know that that was originally a deal negotiated by the EU. We provided continuity to businesses in this country and in Colombia to make sure that on our exit from the European Union, businesses could continue to trade. The truth is that some of the most vulnerable people will be affected by some of the knee-jerk policies suggested by the Labour party. In all our trade deals, we will uphold Britain's high standards for businesses, workers and consumers, and we will continue to meet our obligations under the International Labour Organisation.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific regret over Colombia's trade deal was not addressed.
Criticised Labour Party
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Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
More than half of the countries where the government is negotiating trade deals have poor track records on labour rights.
What pressure or influence will the Government bring to bear when negotiating a deal with those countries whose labour standards and rights are extremely poor, so that the trade can benefit UK workers and the workers of our trading partners too?
Again, the question seems to have been asked and answered already. The comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership has a comprehensive labour and workers' rights chapter, and I would have thought that the people of Preston would welcome the fact that the CPTPP offers Britain access to two thirds of the world's middle classes by 2030.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific pressure or influence for countries with poor labor standards was not addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy