Source · Select Committees · Human Rights (Joint Committee)
Recommendation 38
38
Accepted
The Government should establish a regular, formal process to assess whether the obligations to uphold...
Recommendation
The Government should establish a regular, formal process to assess whether the obligations to uphold labour rights and human rights in trade agreements are being met. If breaches are found, the UK should have a policy of using dispute resolution mechanisms and exemptions under trade agreements to their fullest effect to prevent and deter future breaches. (Recommendation, Paragraph 206) 80 Public Procurement
Government Response Summary
The government states it already uses existing FTA implementation tools, formal sub-committees, and civil society forums to discuss and progress labour commitments with 14 partners. It also commits to using dispute settlement mechanisms where most appropriate.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government is committed to ensuring labour standards are protected internationally. Our FTAs include important implementation tools which ensure labour commitments are constantly being discussed and progressed. These implementation tools ensure we are identifying areas for further cooperation and ensure our FTA partners are upholding their labour commitments. To date, the UK has held labour discussions with 14 FTA partners through formal sub-committees. These have included discussions on forced labour with Vietnam and Singapore, with the UK sharing best practice on approaches. We also hold regular civil society forums with our FTA partners, including Vietnam, Andean nations and New Zealand to provide a formal mechanism for stakeholders to raise suggestions and any concerns. Dispute settlement mechanisms in the UK’s FTAs provide a means to address breaches of obligations. Where the dispute mechanism is the most appropriate method, the Government is committed to using it.