Trade agreements and human rights
Lack of clarity on the government's approach to linking trade agreements with trading partners' human rights records.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
100match
#17 - Align UK legislation with global partners, introducing mandatory human rights due diligence and import bans.
The UK Government must look to align with global legislation, prioritising the introduction of mandatory Human Rights due diligence, to avoid duplicated efforts for UK businesses. The Government should also consider newer levers such as import bans on products from regions where forced labour prevails, as being introduced in the United States and the European Union. (Recommendation, Paragraph...
Matched on
terms: human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
99match
#23 - Introduce mandatory human rights due diligence legislation and consider forced labour import bans.
In line with the previous recommendations of this Committee, the Government should align with other countries to introduce mandatory human rights due diligence legislation, and consider new levers such as import bans on products from regions where forced labour prevails, as being introduced in the US and the EU. (Recommendation, Paragraph 129)
Matched on
terms: human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
89match
#28 - 7th Report - Transnational repression in the UK
TNR represents a growing threat to democratic values, the rule of law, and freedom of expression. We are concerned that foreign policy decisions and international trade partnerships are often made without sufficient consideration of the TNR record of perpetrator states. A failure to acknowledge and respond to instances of TNR as part of the UK’s diplomatic relations with...
Matched on
terms: human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
85match
#32 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The EU’s systemic approach to including human rights clauses in its free trade agreements provides an example of how the UK’s approach to trade could be used to project British values abroad. (Conclusion, Paragraph 194)
Matched on
terms: agreement, human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
81match
#53 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The Government should urgently address the omissions in the Solar Roadmap in relation to global supply chains and develop a viable strategy to address the risks of forced labour in the UK’s solar supply chain. In developing this strategy, government should engage with trade bodies, relevant NGOs, academics, civil society organisations and survivors of forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph...
Matched on
terms: human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
81match
#38 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
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...
Matched on
terms: agreement, human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
81match
#36 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The UK should carry out effective impact assessments before entering trade negotiations with other nations. These assessments should include analysis of how enhanced trading arrangements with the UK will impact the use of forced labour in the contracting state, and whether an agreement would be likely to increase the UK’s exposure to forced labour in supply chains. (Recommendation,...
Matched on
terms: agreement, human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
81match
#35 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The Government should make it an explicit policy to include provisions concerning forced labour in future trade deals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 201)
Matched on
terms: human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
81match
#33 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The UK has not yet developed a uniform approach to embedding obligations to uphold human rights in its trade agreements, and it is unclear how the impacts of such clauses are assessed and evaluated when used. (Conclusion, Paragraph 199)
Matched on
terms: agreement, human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
77match
#37 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The UK should not enter trade agreements or negotiations with states that actively and knowingly participate in gross violations of human rights, such as state-imposed forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 205)
Matched on
terms: agreement, human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
77match
#34 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Ensuring clauses on human rights are included in trade agreements can demonstrate the UK’s values and principles in terms of forced labour. (Conclusion, Paragraph 200)
Matched on
terms: agreement, human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
77match
#31 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The NCA and Border Force should use the existing powers under POCA to prevent goods linked to forced labour being sold in the UK and to seize assets linked to forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 179) Free Trade Agreements
Matched on
terms: agreement, human, right, trade
Committee recommendation
77match
#10 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The UK’s current approach of relying on voluntary implementation of due diligence is not effectively tackling forced labour in supply chains. Implementing mandatory human rights due diligence requirements for companies would level the playing field and be welcomed by many responsible businesses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 76) The Government should legislate to introduce mandatory human rights due diligence requirements throughout...
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
74match
#10 - AMR considerations remain complex in UK international trade negotiations
We asked DHSC about whether AMR should be a component of trade negotiations. DHSC told us that the UK starts from a position of wanting to minimise the risk of antibiotic contamination of food and antibiotic-resistant organisms entering the UK market via food and that some countries use a lot more antibiotics in farming than we do.22 DHSC...
Matched on
terms: agreement, trade
Committee recommendation
73match
#2 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
There is currently a piecemeal and ad hoc approach to addressing forced labour using domestic policy. This does not prevent goods linked to forced labour being sold in the UK, nor provide clarity for businesses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 31) New legislation is needed to ensure that the UK’s market is protected from goods tainted by forced labour. This should...
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
70match
#15 - UK trade policy needs to reflect SDG2 aspirations regarding food-insecure populations.
UK trade policy needs to reflect the Government’s aspirations for achieving SDG2 with a continued commitment to comprehensive assessments of the impact of trade deals on food-insecure populations and a focus on reforming trading rules that compound food insecurity. (Conclusion, Paragraph 52)
Matched on
terms: trade
Committee recommendation
69match
#23 - 4th Report - UK-EU relations a decade on
We recommend that the Government urgently seek to reach an agreement with the EU on steel tariffs before 1 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, to minimise harm to domestic industries. We urge the Government to ensure UK country-specific import quotas with the EU are not further reduced and current UK market access levels are maintained....
Matched on
terms: agreement, trade
Committee recommendation
69match
#55 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The Government should implement the recommendation of the JCHR’s 2017 report. A civil cause of action of failure to prevent forced labour should be created, with the burden placed on the relevant corporation to prove that 82 they had adequate procedure in place to prevent such forced labour. It would be a defence for the corporation to demonstrate...
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#50 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The risks of forced labour presented by the solar industry, which is a key element of the Government’s intended energy procurement programme, are not being effectively addressed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 255)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#49 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The Critical Minerals Strategy should outline specific steps that the Government will take to address the UK’s reliance on critical minerals which are sourced from regions with high risks of forced labour and child labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 243)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#28 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
To aid enforcement, the UK’s import ban should include a rebuttable presumption that goods linked to regions where the UK Government considers state-imposed forced labour is imposed are linked to forced labour until proven otherwise. (Recommendation, Paragraph 155)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#27 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
In taking steps to enable Border Force officers to find illicit consignments, the Government should ensure they are enabled to search out consignments of goods linked to forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 148)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#22 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The Government should introduce an import ban to prevent goods produced using forced labour from entering the UK market. This should establish: (i) how the risk of forced labour in supply chains will be identified; (ii) who is responsible for identifying forced labour risks in supply chains and what is done with this information; (iii) who is responsible...
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#21 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Other key comparator markets such as the EU and USA have put in place import bans on goods linked to forced labour. The UK’s lack of equivalent legislation puts the UK at risk of becoming a dumping ground for goods that cannot be sold elsewhere. (Conclusion, Paragraph 125) 78
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#20 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The UK’s current approach to imports is inadequate to prevent goods linked to forced labour from entering the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 116)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#18 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Government should establish effective regulatory arrangements to ensure compliance with the new rules for mHRDD, including penalties for non-compliance that are proportional to company turn over. (Recommendation, Paragraph 107)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#15 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The Government’s newly announced Supply Chain Centre should support companies to conduct effective HRDD by providing a single point of access to verified information, guidance and resources. (Recommendation, Paragraph 100)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#13 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The Committee supports the Government’s decision to establish a body that could play a role in supporting businesses to address the risks of forced labour in their supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 98)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#6 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act is not effectively motivating companies to address forced labour in their supply chains. The Committee is pleased to see the Government are considering changes to strengthen the duty. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
69match
#29 - 7th Report - Transnational repression in the UK
We recommend that the Government explicitly incorporate transnational repression into the UK’s human rights reporting frameworks. In particular, references to TNR should be included in the next iterations of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s annual Human Rights and Democracy Report and in the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance. The UK should also ensure that diplomatic responses,...
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
66match
#7 - Assess and adjust trade, agriculture, climate, and gender programmes for smallholder farmers.
We recommend the Government assess its trade, agriculture, climate and gender programmes against the impact they have on smallholder farmers. Where necessary, these programmes should be adjusted to mitigate harm against smallholder famers and to enhance their place within sustainable food systems. (Recommendation, Paragraph 29)
Matched on
terms: trade
Committee recommendation
65match
#22 - 4th Report - UK-EU relations a decade on
The UK and the EU face shared challenges and risks to domestic steel production from global steel overcapacity. The Reset presents a clear opportunity for both sides to work together on addressing this issue, building upon the limited progress of the initial May 2025 summit’s steel agreements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
Matched on
terms: agreement, trade
Committee recommendation
65match
#48 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The UK’s demand for imported critical minerals is highly likely to increase in the future as the green energy transition progresses. Based on the evidence we heard, the Committee is concerned that there is not a clear strategy for managing the risks of forced labour associated with critical minerals. (Conclusion, Paragraph 242)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#40 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Public procurement carries a higher risk of exposure to forced labour. (Conclusion, Paragraph 211)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#30 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The powers already available under POCA are being underused by law enforcement agencies in relation to goods linked to forced labour which occurs outside of the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 178)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#29 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The UK’s import ban should establish or designate a responsible body to oversee the implementation of the import ban by facilitating data sharing and co-ordinating activity between different law enforcement agencies. Such a body must be provided with adequate powers and resources to fulfil this function. (Recommendation, Paragraph 156) 79 Other enforcement mechanisms
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#25 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Effective implementation of a forced labour import ban would require effective data sharing and co-ordination between multiple UK law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including HMRC, the NCA and Border Force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 146)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#24 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The import ban recommended above must clarify that no company which uses or allows state-imposed forced labour in its supply chains can import goods to the UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 137)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#23 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
In cases of state-imposed forced labour, it is not possible to seek to use buyer leverage to improving working conditions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 136)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#19 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
This regulatory function could be led either by the Office for Responsible Business Conduct or the Supply Chain Centre. The chosen body must be effectively resourced to deliver these new duties. (Recommendation, Paragraph 108) Import bans and restrictions
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#17 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Imposing penalties for non-compliance with mHRDD would make the risks of non-compliance clear to companies and provide a rationale for conforming which does not exist at present. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#16 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Regulatory oversight and accountability measures will be required to ensure compliance with the new due diligence requirements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 105)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
65match
#1 - 6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
The evidence we heard demonstrates that goods produced by forced labour are being sold in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 21)
Matched on
terms: human, right
Committee recommendation
61match
#21 - Ensure Fair Work Agency has powers and resources to investigate labour exploitation
The Government must ensure that the Fair Work Agency has the necessary powers to deter non-compliance. It must have the authority to investigate all forms of labour exploitation, up to and including modern slavery, and be adequately resourced to fulfil this remit. The Agency must build effective partnerships with the Police and the Home Office to tackle the...
Matched on
terms: trade
Committee recommendation
57match
#16 - UK risks becoming a 'dumping ground' for forced labour products without legislative reforms.
The UK is at serious risk of becoming a ‘dumping ground’ for products made with forced labour if it does not keep up with our global partners on legislative reforms to tackle modern slavery. (Conclusion, Paragraph 85)
Matched on
terms: trade
Committee recommendation
57match
#15 - Review Modern Slavery Act Section 54, mandating reporting and introducing penalties for non-disclosure.
The Government must review the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and make changes to Section 54 to improve transparency. In particular the Government should: a. Change provision 54(5) such that the areas of reporting in modern slavery statements become mandatory. b. Remove the provision in which companies are allowed to claim to have taken ‘no steps’ to address modern...
Matched on
terms: trade
Committee recommendation
57match
#14 - Significant inconsistency exists in Modern Slavery Statements' transparency, hindering informed consumer purchasing decisions.
Case studies reviewed by the Committee highlight a significant inconsistency in the transparency of Modern Slavery Statements. Although these statements may meet the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the lack of standardisation hinders consumers from making informed purchasing decisions and assessing whether products are free from exploitative labour practices. (Conclusion, Paragraph 79)
Matched on
terms: trade
Committee recommendation
53match
#23 - Declining trends in Welsh farming threaten UK food security and require urgent focus
The UK’s food security is dependent upon sustainable domestic production, and by that measure the trends in Wales should be cause for concern. The number of people employed in the industry in Wales has declined, trade with key European markets has declined and livestock numbers in Wales have declined. We are concerned that a continuation of these trends...
Matched on
terms: trade
Committee recommendation
49match
#12 - Prepare comprehensive ban on import of goods from illegal Israeli West Bank settlements.
A different approach should be applied to the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; the Government should take immediate steps to prepare a comprehensive ban on the import of goods from the illegal settlements in the West Bank, with reference to the UN database of businesses substantially and materially involved in settlement-related business activity. (Recommendation,...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#13 - Extend sanctions to all businesses operating within illegal Israeli settlements in West Bank.
The Committee welcomes the sanctions that the Government has imposed on illegal outposts and violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Until these settlements are curtailed and the violence ends, these sanctions should be sustained and extended to all businesses operating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Committee welcomes the sanctioning of companies and organisations that...
Matched on
classifier match