National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights

Thursday 12th May 2016 Written Statements

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Baroness Anelay of St Johns), has made the following written statement:

In September 2013, the UK became the first country to implement the UN guiding principles on business and human rights through the publication of a national action plan “Good Business”, which was presented by the then Foreign and Business Secretaries. At that time, the coalition Government committed to producing an update.

This update reflects developments, including at the international level, since our plan was first published. It also summarises the many activities and initiatives that have been taken forward by UK business and civil society.

The updated NAP reflects the range of action related to business and human rights that takes place across Government. It brings together in one place Government action and private sector initiatives, as well as setting out the access to remedy, both judicial and non-judicial, which exists within the UK. By publishing this update, the UK demonstrates its continued commitment to business and human rights and to the implementation of the universally agreed UN guiding principles, which we consider the best method for promoting good business practice and protecting potential victims from human rights abuses.

This update was produced following consultation with a broad range of stakeholders from business and civil society. While jointly owned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, this update was contributed to by a number of Government Departments.

[HCWS721]