Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions she has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues, (b) multinational companies and (c) non-governmental organisations on ensuring businesses adhere to global human rights and environmental norms.

The Government supports and encourages the current voluntary approach to human rights and environmental standards for multinational companies in the UK. This approach is set out in international frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, and ensures businesses adhere to global norms. The Government continues to keep this approach under review, including by welcoming discussion with companies and non-Governmental Organisations.