Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that India upholds international labour, democratic and human rights standards as part of the ongoing trade negotiations with the UK; and if she will make a statement.

We have a high level of ambition to strengthen the United Kingdom’s trade relationship with India. In July, as a first step towards a potential free trade agreement in the future, we agreed to establish an Enhanced Trade Partnership to deepen trade ties and address barriers to trade and investment.

The United Kingdom has long promoted her values?globally. We are clear that more trade does not have to come at the expense of our values. While our approach will vary between partners, it will always allow HM Government to have open discussions on issues, including rights and responsibilities.