Free Trade Agreements Human Rights 2020-06-18
2020-06-18
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Q1
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Context
The UK has initiated free trade negotiations with the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The country aims to promote human rights in its economic relationships.
Kim Johnson questions whether the government's prioritization of trade over human rights is a recent trend or if it started during the coalition government. She notes that most post-Brexit agreements do not include clauses on human rights and asks for confirmation on these discussions and guarantees.
There has been no relaxation or watering down of the UK's complete commitment to human rights in any aspect, including international trade. The Cotonou agreement is expiring and we aim to maintain the practical outcome of existing EU trade deals while ensuring that there is no watering down of human rights commitments.
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