Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Rejected
Refuse new trade deals lacking specific marine mammal conservation commitments
Recommendation
We strongly support greater integration of environmental considerations including animal welfare in free trade agreements and feel much more can be done in this regard than at present. We are pleased to hear that there are ongoing discussions between the FCDO, Defra and the now Department for Business and Trade on how this might be achieved. We request that further details be provided to this Committee on these discussions in its response to this report. We also recommend that the UK should not agree any new trade deal that does not include a specific commitment to marine mammal conservation. (Paragraph 61) Protecting Marine Mammals in the UK and Abroad 31
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation that new trade deals must include a specific commitment to marine mammal conservation, stating that all trade deals are tailored and reflect a wide range of policy priorities. They affirmed their commitment to upholding high environmental and animal welfare standards generally.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
On free trade agreements, we disagree with the recommendation regarding a specific commitment to marine mammal conservation. All trade deals are different, reflecting consideration of a wide range of policy priorities and are tailored to the relationships and markets of the countries involved. The UK is committed to upholding our high environmental and animal welfare standards and seeking opportunities to promote high animal welfare standards and conservation internationally.