Asked by: Rosie Duffield (Independent - Canterbury)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to his oral contribution of 16 July 2018, Official Report columns 41-52, if he will consult rights organisations in countries with which the UK seeks new trade agreements.
Answered by George Hollingbery
I refer the hon. Member for Canterbury to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown on 11 September 2018 (UIN: 169728).
Asked by: Rosie Duffield (Independent - Canterbury)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to his oral contribution of 16 July 2018, Official Report column 42, if he will ensure that existing (a) women’s and (b) workers' rights are protected in all changes to legislation made through the bespoke primary legislation brought forward to implement new trade agreements.
Answered by George Hollingbery
The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally and this will continue as we leave the EU. We’re clear that more trade doesn’t have to come at the expense of workers. The Prime Minister has indicated that we will protect existing workers’ rights and build on them when the time is right for the United Kingdom.
The UK is committed to promoting the economic empowerment of women and recognises trade as an important lever for equality. As the UK establishes an independent trade policy, the Government will take a gender-responsive approach to trade and create a framework that delivers for women as employees and business leaders.
When we bring forward legislative proposals to implement new trade deals, Parliament will have the opportunity to scrutinise this new legislation in the normal way.
Asked by: Rosie Duffield (Independent - Canterbury)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to his oral contribution of 16 July 2018, Official Report column 42, whether an impact assessment of a new trade deal will be (a) undertaken by an independent consultant ex ante and (b) include an assessment of the impact on women and girls in developing countries.
Answered by George Hollingbery
I refer the hon. Member for Canterbury to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Midlothian on 6 September 2018, UIN: 169743.