Post-Brexit trade deals are a priority

Following the meaningful vote on Brexit, the trade bill will return to parliament on Monday. We urge MPs and lords to support amendments that ensure democratic oversight of post-Brexit trade deals. Without the amendments, many trade deals will be agreed with almost no opportunity for parliament to debate, amend or reject them.

Modern trade agreements affect most aspects of everyday life, including the food we eat and the services we rely on, as well as our ability to meet our commitments on the environment, human rights and sustainable development. That is why it is so important that parliament has proper oversight of them.

Lords have put forward amendments that would give parliament the ability to approve negotiating mandates, safeguard against the lowering of health, environment and rights protections and have the final say on future agreements. Further amendments would require the government to publish independent assessments of the impacts of potential deals, conduct public consultations and deliver transparency in trade negotiations.

MPs and lords should back these amendments. Brexit would mean the UK regains responsibility for trade policy, and now is the time to enshrine robust democratic safeguards to ensure the UK’s future trading relations deliver in the public interest.

Nick Dearden Director, Global Justice Now
Tim Aldred Head of policy, Fairtrade Foundation
Craig Bennett CEO, Friends of the Earth
Karla Hill Director of programmes, Client Earth
Hannah Lownsbrough Executive director, SumOfUs
Liz May Director of policy, Traidcraft Exchange
Peter Frankental Economic relations programme director, Amnesty UK
David Lawrence Senior political adviser, Trade Justice Movement
Asad Rehma Executive director, War on Want
Anne Peacey Chair, National Justice & Peace Network
Liz Murray Head of Scottish campaigns, Global Justice Scotland

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