3 months in… our asks for the new Government.

In July, the Labour party returned to power for the first time in 14 years. Over the past few months, the news has focused a lot on Keir Starmer, but the UK Government is made up of a lot more than just the Prime Minister. There are multiple departments and various key figures who have the chance to help reshape the UK’s approach to trade - who could help create a world where trade benefits everyone.

Under the last Labour Government, we secured a commitment for a watchdog to stop supermarkets mistreating their suppliers, and they also championed debt forgiveness for the world’s poorest countries. In 2024, Labour has the opportunity to shape trade so that it actually raises standards of living and ensures the world’s resources are used in a way that protects and preserves the environment.

Building a better system starts with making the way trade is conducted far more democratic.

Under the current rules the UK Government can (and do) negotiate and sign trade agreements without facing scrutiny. Considering the wide-ranging impact trade deals have - from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and even the jobs we can have – it is hard to stomach that most MPs, civil society and the public have been locked out of the process for so long.

We need the new Government to set a robust process for ensuring the public, charities and other experts can meaningfully engage and our elected representatives have sufficient time to digest and vote on any new agreements.

We are also greatly missing a strategy by which trade agreements are made. There are no guidelines, no priorities, no agreed objectives. This greatly increases the risk of badly designed trade policy which benefits only those countries and companies with the greatest influencing abilities. We need the Government to set a strategy that aligns trade with our climate and sustainable development goals, upholds respect for human rights and supports small and ethical businesses and producer groups, who provide most of the world’s jobs, but need the right support to thrive. The good news is the Labour Government have already committed to setting a strategy and putting a robust scrutiny process in place. We’ll be working hard to make sure they implement these commitments are priorities.