Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Owen Thompson

Tuesday 7th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)]

23. What her policy is on the protection of human rights after the UK leaves the EU.

[The Minister for Courts and Justice (Sir Oliver Heald)]

Human rights have been protected in the UK since long before our membership of the EU, and leaving the EU will not change that.

[Owen Thompson]

What assurances can the Minister give that any future trade deal that is agreed by the UK Government and the EU during negotiations will contain a commitment to human rights?

[Sir Oliver Heald]

As the hon. Gentleman will know, the Joint Committee on Human Rights is looking at that issue. The Department for International Trade has given evidence on this, saying that it is constructing its approach to such agreements at the moment. This country has always been a strong supporter of human rights, and I cannot see that changing.