Context
The question pertains to the UK government's review of its approach to responsible business conduct, particularly in relation to engagement with experts and stakeholders from producer countries and the global south.
Question
I recently met a campaigner from south-east Asia who is involved in freedom of association and independent trade union repression in the garment sector. With that in mind, and given that trade and business are facilitated through relationships, from national Governments to businesses to workers and their trade union representatives, does the Secretary of State agree that it is essential to involve stakeholders at every level of the supply chain, including those representing workers and unions in the global south, when informing the review of the UK and how we promote responsible business practices?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Peter Kyle)
I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s work in this area, the conversations that he has and the insight that he shares with the House, as recently as today in his contribution. The responsible business conduct review will be critical to ensuring that businesses respect human rights, labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption measures across their operations and supply chains. I reassure him that, in the conversations that I have already had with international counterparts in the few short weeks that I have been in this job, these issues, including forced labour situations and workers’ rights, are raised. British values and the expectations we have as a country are raised with our international partners in trade talks.
Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not explicitly state agreement or disagreement on involving stakeholders at every level of the supply chain, including those representing workers and unions in the global south. He instead provided general assurances about raising human rights issues with international partners.
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)