Asked by: Dean Russell (Conservative - Watford)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress he has made on implementing the Nine-point plan for seafarers published 6 July 2022.
Answered by Richard Holden - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
Since announcing the Nine Point Plan the Government has:
Seafarer welfare is inextricably linked to international maritime law and regulation. As such it must be addressed with international partners and through international fora. The UK will continue to lead the way in seafarer welfare and will not shy away from its role as an international leader in championing this important cause.
Asked by: Mark Hendrick (Labour (Co-op) - Preston)
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 Fairtrade farmers and workers are considered in the Government’s trade policy.
Answered by Penny Mordaunt - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
The Department for International Trade (DIT) works closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including trade unions, trade for development NGOs and the Fairtrade Foundation – whose CEO sits on DIT’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group – to understand fully the interests of Fairtrade farmers and workers, and seeks to negotiate outcomes that support fair treatment of workers around the world.
Asked by: Yasmin Qureshi (Labour - Bolton South East)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to ensure the participation of (a) women and (b) marginalised groups in the development of trade agreements.
Answered by Ranil Jayawardena
The Department for International Trade works for people across the country. We speak to businesses, trades unions, think tanks and other organisations on a regular basis, and our public consultations have provided the opportunity for everyone to share their views.
Asked by: Baroness Sheehan (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the finding by UK National Contact Point that JCB was in breach of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines for Multinational Enterprises; and what steps they are taking to ensure that UK companies adhere to those guidelines.
Answered by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel
The UK National Contact Point (UK NCP), which operates independently of the Department for International Trade, has not found that JCB violated human rights. However, in line with the OECD Guidelines, the UK NCP has advised JCB to develop a policy commitment to respect human rights and to carry out human rights due diligence in supply chains.
The UK NCP will request an update from JCB on the implementation of its recommendations in a year’s time and in the interim is available to provide support as necessary.
As part of its commitment to the OECD Guidelines, the UK NCP promotes the Guidelines to business, NGOs and trade unions, and is available to provide advice on adhering to the recommendations it contains.
Asked by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps her Department is taking to help facilitate the export of British farm produce to Australia.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is helping our farmers and food producers to capitalise on the demand for British food and drink in Australia and elsewhere in the world. DIT is working with organisations such as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, farmers’ unions and the Food and Drink Federation to deliver tailored support for agriculture and food exporters through our Open Doors programme. We are also looking carefully at what further export support we can put in place, in response to the recommendations from the Trade and Agriculture Commission.
Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with trade union representatives of (a) former staff of the Department for International Development and (b) his departmental staff on harmonising staff terms and conditions.
Answered by Nigel Adams
DFID and FCO senior officials informed their respective Trade Union representatives as soon as the creation of the FCDO was announced. Since then, there have been regular meetings between FCDO senior officials and the recognised FCDO Trade Unions (FDA, PCS & Prospect). These discussions have not involved the Secretary of State directly. We are working closely with the trade unions on the future design of FCDO terms and conditions and will formally consult as required on any specific areas of policy as work progresses.
Asked by: Preet Kaur Gill (Labour (Co-op) - Birmingham, Edgbaston)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of (a) PCS and b) FDA unions on the roles of their members in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Answered by Wendy Morton
DFID and FCO senior officials informed their respective Trade Union representatives as soon the creation of the new Department was announced. Consultations will continue throughout the process. Within DFID we have regular weekly engagement with our trade unions (FDA and PCS). These discussions have not yet involved the Secretary of State directly. We will formally consult as required on any specific areas of HR policy as work progresses.
Asked by: Yasmin Qureshi (Labour - Bolton South East)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking to support departmental staff affected by the proposed merging of her Department and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Answered by Nigel Adams
We are prioritising staff wellbeing and support during the formation of the new department. We have a well-developed offer to help staff manage their wellbeing and resilience during change. This includes learning and development, mental health support, and a dedicated welfare team. Our Trade Unions, local staff associations and employee support networks are also working hard to ensure our colleagues get the support they need.
Asked by: Yasmin Qureshi (Labour - Bolton South East)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if the Government will consult the trade unions of the her Department's staff members at each stage of the merger of her Department with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Answered by Anne-Marie Trevelyan - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We have commenced discussions with our trade unions (PCS and FDA) and they will be consulted as we design and develop the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Asked by: Yasmin Qureshi (Labour - Bolton South East)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, which trade unions were consulted by her Department as part of the decision to merge the Department for International Development with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Answered by Nigel Adams
There was no formal consultation with our trade unions (PCS and FDA) prior to this decision being made. We have now commenced discussions and they will have a key role to play as we develop the new organisation.