Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department uses a criteria to assess the reputational implications for the United Kingdom of appointing a trade envoy to a country with a poor human rights record.

UK Trade Envoy markets are identified in discussion with HM Trade Commissioners and the trade and investment opportunities available to UK business. Trade Envoys operate within wider trading policies in support of the Government’s objectives, working closely with Ministers and officials, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.