Trade agreements and human rights
Lack of clarity on the government's approach to linking trade agreements with trading partners' human rights records.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 5 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
1 inquiry rec
426 committee recs
4 IMB reports
5 PHSO decisions
1 LGO/SPSO decision
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Select committee recommendations(426)— showing 50 strongest matches
#32 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the inclusion of forced labour provisions …
Accepted
#23 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Response Pending
#22 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Response Pending
#55 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The RBC review will consider the effectiveness of the UK’s current regime and alternative means of supporting responsible business practices. A range of measures will be considered as part of the review, including consideration of …
Not Addressed
#53 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The Government recognises the scale and complexity of the solar supply chain, as well as the significant challenge of eradicating the scourge of forced labour across all sectors. As part of our commitment under the …
Accepted
#50 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government recognises the scale and complexity of the solar supply chain, as well as the significant challenge of eradicating the scourge of forced labour across all sectors. As part of our commitment under the …
Not Addressed
#49 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The UK Government places a high priority on mining and mineral processing being carried out to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. We are committed to the sustainable development of natural resources in …
Not Addressed
#48 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The UK Government places a high priority on mining and mineral processing being carried out to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. We are committed to the sustainable development of natural resources in …
Not Addressed
#40 —
Recommendation: Public procurement carries a higher risk of exposure to forced labour. (Conclusion, Paragraph 211)
Not Addressed
#38 —
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 …
Gov response: 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 …
Accepted
#37 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. We remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. Having secure and growing trading relationships can increase UK influence and allow us …
Not Accepted
#36 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: Identifying forced labour in international supply chains is challenging due to their complexity and opacity, the lack of transparency and reliable data. There is ongoing work to examine the extent to which UK supply chains …
Accepted
#35 —
Recommendation: The Government should make it an explicit policy to include provisions concerning forced labour in future trade deals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 201)
Gov response: The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the inclusion of forced labour provisions …
Accepted
#34 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the inclusion of forced labour provisions …
Not Addressed
#33 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the inclusion of forced labour provisions …
Not Addressed
#31 —
Recommendation: 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
Gov response: POCA provides law enforcement agencies with a powerful range of powers to seize cash and assets from individuals profiting from criminal activity. Government cannot direct how the POCA powers are used by law enforcement and …
Not Addressed
#30 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: We remain committed to amplifying survivor voices and recognise the valuable contribution that people with lived experience can make to meaningful legislative change and policy reform. After careful consideration, we have concluded that establishing a …
Under Consideration
#29 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The RBC review will consider the effectiveness of the UK’s current regime and alternative means of supporting responsible business practices. A range of measures will be considered as part of the review, including consideration of …
Under Consideration
#28 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government recognises the scale and complexity of the solar supply chain, as well as the significant challenge of eradicating the scourge of forced labour across all sectors. As part of our commitment under the …
Under Consideration
#27 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Solar Taskforce brought together government and industry to identify the actions needed to support the accelerated deployment of solar energy. Both Government and industry are united in the belief that forced labour in the …
Under Consideration
#25 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The UK Government places a high priority on mining and mineral processing being carried out to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. We are committed to the sustainable development of natural resources in …
Under Consideration
#24 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government is taking steps to address reports of forced labour in clean energy supply chains. This includes strengthened procurement rules and support for industry-led transparency initiatives, such as the Solar Stewardship Initiative. Great British …
Under Consideration
#23 —
Recommendation: In cases of state-imposed forced labour, it is not possible to seek to use buyer leverage to improving working conditions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 136)
Gov response: The Procurement Review Unit (PRU) will consider all relevant evidence and consideration as part of any debarment investigation. The PRU plans to conduct a review of its debarment investigation processes on a regular basis, capturing …
Under Consideration
#22 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The Procurement Act outlines the process for considering exclusions which contracting authorities must follow. The Act distinguishes between mandatory and discretionary exclusion grounds. Mandatory exclusion grounds cover the most serious, high risk scenarios. Discretionary exclusion …
Under Consideration
#21 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: 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 …
Under Consideration
#20 —
Recommendation: The UK’s current approach to imports is inadequate to prevent goods linked to forced labour from entering the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 116)
Gov response: The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. We remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. Having secure and growing trading relationships can increase UK influence and allow us …
Under Consideration
#19 —
Recommendation: 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
Gov response: Identifying forced labour in international supply chains is challenging due to their complexity and opacity, the lack of transparency and reliable data. There is ongoing work to examine the extent to which UK supply chains …
Under Consideration
#18 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the inclusion of forced labour provisions …
Under Consideration
#17 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: POCA provides law enforcement agencies with a powerful range of powers to seize cash and assets from individuals profiting from criminal activity. Government cannot direct how the POCA powers are used by law enforcement and …
Under Consideration
#16 —
Recommendation: Regulatory oversight and accountability measures will be required to ensure compliance with the new due diligence requirements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 105)
Gov response: The Government agrees that effective coordination is integral to tackling forced labour in supply chains. Decisions regarding oversight and enforcement of actions to tackle forced labour in supply chains will be made in light of …
Accepted
#15 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The rebuttable presumption model is one of multiple mechanisms used by international partners to enforce forced labour import bans. We will continue to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of existing measures, including data-driven and risk-based …
Accepted
#13 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: The Government remains firmly opposed to the use of state-imposed forced labour. We are considering how best to reflect this position within our broader frameworks for trade policy and responsible business conduct. It is important …
Accepted
#10 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: As already referenced, in the Trade Strategy 2025 the Government launched a review into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, focused on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK. This includes …
Not Addressed
#6 —
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: As already referenced, in the Trade Strategy 2025 the Government launched a review into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, focused on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK. This includes …
Under Consideration
#2 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: Government departments work together closely to enhance the Government’s approach to tackling forced labour in supply chains. The principal departments involved in this work are the Home Office, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), …
Under Consideration
#1 —
Recommendation: The evidence we heard demonstrates that goods produced by forced labour are being sold in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 21)
Gov response: The Government shares the Committee’s concern about the presence of forced labour in global supply chains and is committed to working to ensure that the UK market is not complicit in such practices. Building on …
Under Consideration
#29 —
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: 1. The UK Government’s response to TNR recognises this activity is a threat to national security, human rights and democracy, which undermines the rule of law and sovereignty. When alerted to instances of TNR, the …
Partially Accepted
#28 —
Recommendation: 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. …
Gov response: 1. The UK Government’s response to TNR recognises this activity is a threat to national security, human rights and democracy, which undermines the rule of law and sovereignty. When alerted to instances of TNR, the …
Accepted
#21 — Ensure Fair Work Agency has powers and resources to investigate labour exploitation
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The Fair Work Agency (FWA) will play a crucial role in combating serious labour exploitation. The FWA will inherit the full suite of investigatory and enforcement powers of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), …
Accepted
#17 — Align UK legislation with global partners, introducing mandatory human rights due diligence and import bans.
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: This Government is clear that no company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chain and remains committed to eradicating forced labour in global supply chains. The UK supports voluntary due diligence …
Not Addressed
#16 — UK risks becoming a 'dumping ground' for forced labour products without legislative reforms.
Recommendation: 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)
Gov response: This Government is clear that no company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chain and remains committed to eradicating forced labour in global supply chains. The UK supports voluntary due diligence …
Not Addressed
#15 — Review Modern Slavery Act Section 54, mandating reporting and introducing penalties for non-disclosure.
Recommendation: 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. …
Gov response: Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 established the UK as the first country in the world to require businesses to report on how they are tackling modern slavery in their organisation and supply …
Not Addressed
#14 — Significant inconsistency exists in Modern Slavery Statements' transparency, hindering informed consumer purchasing decisions.
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 established the UK as the first country in the world to require businesses to report on how they are tackling modern slavery in their organisation and supply …
Not Addressed
#15 — UK trade policy needs to reflect SDG2 aspirations regarding food-insecure populations.
Recommendation: 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, …
Gov response: Government Response – Partially Agree 13. We agree that smallholder farmers are vital players in the global food system and that it is important to consider the impact relevant government programmes have on them. Smallholder …
Partially Accepted
#7 — Assess and adjust trade, agriculture, climate, and gender programmes for smallholder farmers.
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: Partially Agree 13. We agree that smallholder farmers are vital players in the global food system and that it is important to consider the impact relevant government programmes have on them. Smallholder farmers have been …
Partially Accepted
#10 — AMR considerations remain complex in UK international trade negotiations
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: 1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 1.2 Tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires a coordinated and comprehensive global response. The 2024 – 2029 UK National Action Plan to confront AMR (NAP) includes …
Accepted
#13 — Extend sanctions to all businesses operating within illegal Israeli settlements in West Bank.
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The Government notes the Committee’s recommendation on future sanctions. As the committee is aware, the Government does not speculate on potential future designations. The Government has imposed a number of sanctions on Israelis and Israeli …
Under Consideration
#12 — Prepare comprehensive ban on import of goods from illegal Israeli West Bank settlements.
Recommendation: 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 …
Gov response: The Government notes the Committee’s recommendation. The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled …
Under Consideration
#23 — Introduce mandatory human rights due diligence legislation and consider forced labour import bans.
Recommendation: 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, …
Gov response: In the Trade Strategy, the Government launched a review into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct (RBC) focused on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK. As part of the RBC …
Not Addressed
#23 — Declining trends in Welsh farming threaten UK food security and require urgent focus
Recommendation: 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 …
Not Addressed
IMB annual reports(4)
Charter Flight (2022)
The CFMT monitored 12 charter removal and relocation operations in 2022, finding that returnees were generally treated kindly but experienced significant issues. Key concerns included prolonged confinement in vehicles, inconsistent use of force, and inadequate interpreting services, often exacerbating detainee distress. Despite some positive changes in escorting practice, the Board raised recommendations for HOIE and its contractor, particularly regarding vulnerability, financial preparation, and transit times.
PRISON
Key concerns
Derwentside IRC (2023)
Derwentside IRC, for women, operated at reduced capacity during 2023. The Board found it to be generally safe, with positive staff interactions and improved healthcare provision, especially mental health cover. However, significant concerns remain regarding the centre's remote location, inadequate facilities (Block 4), poor communications infrastructure, and the impact of long-term detention and frequent transfers on vulnerable women.
IRC
Key concerns
Charter Flight Monitoring Team (CFMT) (2023)
The Independent Monitoring Board's Charter Flight Monitoring Team observed nine charter operations to Albania, primarily involving individuals transferred from prisons to immigration detention before removal. The report highlights significant concerns regarding the humane treatment of returnees, particularly excessive in-vehicle confinement during night operations, and issues with interpretation provision and the handling of vulnerable individuals. While positive engagement from escorts was noted, the Board raised concerns about medical confidentiality, increasing use of restraint, and some coach safety incidents.
PRISON
Key concerns
Dungavel House (2023)
Dungavel House IRC maintained a safe and humane environment in 2023, with good staff-resident relationships, comprehensive healthcare, and a relaxed regime. Despite these positives, concerns persist regarding persistent roof access issues and the impact of frequent late-night arrivals from Edinburgh Airport on detainees. The IMB also highlighted its own significant challenges in recruiting members.
PRISON
Key concerns
PHSO casework decisions(5)
P-003825 — Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Mr J complains that while he was detained by the UAE authorities from May to November 2018, he was tortured and mistreated. He complains FCDO failed to give him the protection he was entitled to and to address the mistreatment he received.
UK Government
Upheld
Aug 2023
P-001493 — UK Visas and Immigration
Mrs K complains about UKVI's consideration of her sister's visa application.
UK Government
Aug 2022
P-001494 — Home Office
Miss H complains that the Home Office's Windrush Compensation Scheme wrongly refused her claim for compensation.
UK Government
Aug 2022
P-001611 — Home Office
Mr H complains UK Visas and Immigration (part of the Home Office) incorrectly refused his application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, due to an error he made on a previous tax return.
UK Government
Nov 2022
P-003833 — UK Visas and Immigration
Mr J complains that UKVI’s decision to refuse his application for leave to remain (LTR) in 2015 and his removal from the UK in 2016 were a breach of his human rights.
UK Government
Sep 2023