PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Trade Agreements: Conditions of Employment (3 September 2018)

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to his oral contribution of 16 July 2018, Official Report column 42, if he will ensure that existing (a) women’s and (b) workers' rights are protected in all changes to legislation made through the bespoke primary legislation brought forward to implement new trade agreements.

Asked by:
Rosie Duffield (Independent)

The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally and this will continue as we leave the EU. We’re clear that more trade doesn’t have to come at the expense of workers. The Prime Minister has indicated that we will protect existing workers’ rights and build on them when the time is right for the United Kingdom.

The UK is committed to promoting the economic empowerment of women and recognises trade as an important lever for equality. As the UK establishes an independent trade policy, the Government will take a gender-responsive approach to trade and create a framework that delivers for women as employees and business leaders.

When we bring forward legislative proposals to implement new trade deals, Parliament will have the opportunity to scrutinise this new legislation in the normal way.

Answered by:
Sir George Hollingbery (Conservative)
11 September 2018