Debates between Lord Callanan and Earl of Sandwich during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Human Rights Due Diligence

Debate between Lord Callanan and Earl of Sandwich
Tuesday 20th July 2021

(3 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan (Con)
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As I said in my initial Answer, I agree with my noble friend. Human rights abuses are a wide and varied issue, which is why the UK Government prefer the approach of encouraging businesses to follow the voluntary framework of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Earl of Sandwich Portrait The Earl of Sandwich (CB) [V]
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My Lords, the rainforest needs urgent protection—we all know that, as does the Minister. The Government have already made good progress with the Environment Bill, but how will they enforce compliance; for example, on companies which are not in the Retail Soy Group or which do not intend to convert to sustainable products? Does the Minister agree that any UK financial services which clearly support the production or trading of forest risk commodities would be acting illegally and should be caught by Schedule 16 to the Bill?

Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan (Con)
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The noble Earl is perhaps getting a bit ahead of himself, as we are still considering the Environment Bill—it is not in law yet. When it is, as I hope it will be, details on the enforcement regime will be subject to further consultation and regulations will be subject to the affirmative procedure so that the House can debate them fully.