Future Trade Deals Human Rights Clauses 2021-04-15
2021-04-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or concrete details about how human rights are incorporated into trade deals were not provided.
We Are Clear That More Trade Does Not Have To Come At The Expense Of Human Rights
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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.
I Think The Hon. Lady Has Misquoted The Foreign Secretary In Her Account Of What He Said
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific list requested was not provided, instead inviting the MP to examine existing agreements.
I Will Have To Go Back And See Exactly What The Foreign Secretary Said
Response accuracy