PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Trade Agreements (28 June 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will make it Government policy that future trade deals concluded after the UK leaves the EU include provisions to (a) assess the effect of trade liberalisation on the environment and (b) enforce the highest standards on (i) environmental protections, (ii) workers' rights, (iii) animal welfare and (iv) health and safety standards.

Asked by:
Kerry McCarthy (Labour)

The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally and this will continue as we leave the EU. We will explore all options in the design of future bilateral trade and investment agreements, including, where relevant, social, labour, animal welfare and environmental provisions within these. We want to ensure economic growth, development and environmental protection go hand-in-hand.

Answered by:
Greg Hands (Conservative)
3 July 2017