Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

UK’s Relationship with Mexico

07 September 2023 · 4 other contributors · 11,443 words

Opened by Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton

Responding minister: David Rutley

ClimateForeign AffairsWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Dan Carden raised concerns about uk’s relationship with mexico in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Dan Carden expressed concern about the need for mutual respect and cooperation in UK-Mexico relations, citing significant challenges such as femicide, disappearances, and climate change impacts.
  • Mr Corbyn highlighted Mexico's historical role in providing sanctuary for exiles and noted ongoing issues with corruption and human rights abuses, citing examples like the Ayotzinapa 43 case.
  • Mr Carden urged the UK government to prioritise Mexico in diplomatic efforts and to ensure that any trade agreement negotiations support labour rights and environmental protection.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Carden urges the government to ensure that Mexico feels prioritised in UK's diplomatic efforts and to hold any trade agreement negotiations with scrutiny to support labour rights and environmental protection. Mr. Corbyn urged the Government to recognise and support ongoing investigations into cases of human rights violations in Mexico, stressing the importance of continued efforts to bring about justice and acknowledging the severity of these issues.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton

Mr. Dan Carden expressed concern about the historical context of UK-Mexico relations, highlighting that while there have been positive developments in recent years, there is a need for mutual respect and co-operation. He also mentioned significant challenges facing Mexico such as femicide, disappearances, drug-related violence, and climate change impacts including droughts and food insecurity. Mr. Corbyn expressed appreciation for Mexico's historical contributions and its efforts to provide sanctuary for exiles from various countries, highlighting the nation's role in welcoming refugees during significant political upheavals like the Spanish Civil War and the Chilean coup d'état. He also noted that Mexico faces massive problems related to corruption and human rights abuses, citing examples such as the Ayotzinapa 43 case involving missing students and Claudia Uruchurtu's disappearance.

Other contributors (4)
  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    The huge Tren Maya project involving the construction of a 15,000 km railway line in Mexico will benefit from British Railways rolling stock. This highlights potential for further railway technology exports to Mexico. Asked the Minister whether ongoing trade discussions with Mexico would include a human rights dialogue, and sought assurances that the Government would continue to support Claudia Uruchurtu's family in their pursuit of justice. He expressed concerns about the potential release of Lizbeth Victoria Huerta by the end of September.

  • Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North

    Discussed the UK's relationship with Mexico, highlighting the need for a fair trade deal that protects Scottish farmers and supports food security. Mentioned the increase in Mexican students at Glasgow University and urged the UK Government to address visa delays and immigration issues. Highlighted potential benefits from exchanges on oil and gas expertise and advocated for Scotland's democratic right to hold an independence referendum.

  • Lyn Brown

    Welcomes UK-Mexico relations on their bicentennial anniversary and discusses the importance of trade opportunities, noting that Mexico accounted for only 0.3% of UK trade in 2021. Questions the progress on an expanded bilateral agreement covering services and asks about steps to deepen strategic partnerships. In a brief intervention, Lyn Brown agreed with previous points made during the debate.

  • Marco Longhi Con North Shropshire

    Mr Longhi complimented Dan Carden on his interest in Mexico and mentioned their shared interest in Latin America, particularly Brazil. He expressed enthusiasm for the UK's relationship with South American countries and suggested that the Minister should consider Mexico as a future powerhouse in the region.

Government Response

David Rutley

It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Gray. I congratulate Dan Carden on securing this debate and paying tribute to his work as chair of the APPG for Mexico for five years. The UK values its relationship with Mexico enormously, which goes beyond party politics and includes historic links and new partnerships based on democracy and freedom. The Minister highlighted the importance of Cornish miners who brought pasties to Hidalgo in 1825 and discussed the 3,000 Mexican students who have experienced the UK's education system through Chevening scholarships. He also mentioned the celebration of Mexico's independence day next week. The debate covered important points about history, including Jeremy Corbyn's reminder that there is more to see beyond Mexico's beaches. The Minister noted regular conversations between Ministers and highlighted visits by Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Foreign Secretary to Mexico. He discussed the 200th anniversary of consular relations, focusing on activities planned to celebrate all parts of the relationship over 200 years. The Minister also emphasized the significance of the CPTPP agreement, which offers opportunities for British businesses in sectors such as whisky exports, offshore wind, and advanced manufacturing. He addressed human rights concerns by mentioning the work of Ambassador Jon Benjamin and the adoption of a new investigation protocol based on UK best practice in 32 states in Mexico. The Minister welcomed the interest shown by the Mexican Government in holding a bilateral formal human rights dialogue with the UK later this year.

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