Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to end environmental and ecological destruction arising from the production of palm oil.

The Government is using a combination of diplomatic engagement, policy measures and development assistance to work towards ensuring all palm oil is being produced sustainably. Through the Partnerships for Forests programme, we provide support to develop industry standards for deforestation-free palm oil production, and work with companies, civil society groups and governments to develop and test new ways of growing palm oil, which provides sustainable jobs and livelihoods and protects forests. FCDO also funds the Tropical Forest Alliance, which brings together over 160 companies, governments and civil society group, working to end deforestation associated with palm oil and other agriculture commodities.

The Government recently set out a legislative proposal for a Due Diligence Obligation, which would prohibit larger UK companies from using commodities that have not been produced in line with national laws in the countries of origin. This follows recommendations made by the independent Global Resource Initiative Task Force. Building on this, for the COP26 climate change meeting in Glasgow in 2021, we are working to bring together countries that produce and that buy palm oil, to forge a stronger partnership that will lead to more international action to tackle deforestation associated with palm oil and other agricultural commodities, and support sustainable trade and production.