Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure brands supplying the UK market engage in fair purchasing practices in order that their suppliers can provide (a) a fair wage and (b) good working conditions.

It is vital that increased trade is not based on the exploitation and abuse of workers.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires businesses with a turnover of £36m or more to publish modern slavery statements annually to report on the steps they are taking to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in their operations and supply chains. Additionally, the Procurement Bill includes provisions to disregard bids from suppliers who use modern slavery in their operations or supply chains.

The UK complies with its international obligations, including International Labour Organization conventions, and we encourage other countries to do the same.