Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Diana Johnson and Chi Onwurah

Thursday 21st July 2022 Commons Chamber

[Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

3. What steps she is taking to ensure that workers’ rights are maintained in all UK free trade agreements.

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

9. What steps she is taking to ensure that workers’ rights are maintained in all UK free trade agreements.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Mr Ranil Jayawardena)]

Her Majesty’s Government have been clear that there will be no reduction in British labour protections in signing up to new free trade deals. Our new agreements with Australia and New Zealand demonstrate that. We engage extensively with trade unions to make sure that the interests of workers are fully considered in our policy. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has hosted trade unions, including the TUC, at the recent UK-US trade dialogues.