Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps her Department has taken to (a) ensure that the Domestic Advisory Groups that it is establishing are independent and (b) ensure that there are consequences when nations breach human and labour rights commitments they have agreed to in trade deals with the UK; and if she will make a statement.

The United Kingdom is committed to implementing the ‘Trade and Sustainable Development’ chapters in her trade agreements and, in support of this, HM Government is considering options for setting up the ‘Domestic Advisory Group(s)’.

We will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international rights and responsibilities and will hold those who violate them to account. HM Government takes a balanced and proportionate approach with all international partners, delivering the best outcome for the United Kingdom.