VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Tea: Imports

Asked by Mr Lee DillonLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 5 January 2026UIN 101217

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of current UK import standards in ensuring sustainable practices in tea supply chains.

Answered by Chris Bryant

The Government launched a review in the Trade Strategy, into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, focused on tackling human rights and labour abuses and environmental harms in global supply chains.

The review is still progressing and is considering the effectiveness of the UK’s current regime and standards, and the merits of alternative measures to support responsible business practices, including mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence. We shall update the House when the review is complete.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim