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Trade Agreements: Human Rights

Asked by Clive JonesLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 20 November 2024UIN 13888

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to include human rights clauses in trade agreements.

Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander

The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. This work takes place separately to negotiations on Free Trade Agreements.

While aspects of trade policy can provide the opportunity to address other issues in our bilateral relationships, Free Trade Agreements are not generally the most effective or targeted tool to advance human rights issues.

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