UK International Development White Paper consultation
In July 2023 the UK Government put out all call for evidence intending to inform their policy position on international development. Transform Trade’s response highlighted the critical role that trade has to play in achieving international development goals.
Trade and investment are some of the policies which have the biggest impact on development. Furthermore, trade agreements are both binding and enforceable, whilst the Sustainable Development Goals and climate agreements are for the most part neither of these things. So far voluntary standards have not delivered results at the scale or pace that is needed. This makes it even more important that trade commitments are fully aligned with development objectives.
Transform Trade recommended the UK Government:
Engage in meaningful dialogue with global south countries to understand their priorities with the delivery of concrete outcomes
Commit to new laws and regulatory bodies to hold UK companies to account and redress power imbalances in supply chains
Develop financing mechanisms which underpin trade justice
Introduce a comprehensive and cross-departmental UK trade strategy that is fully aligned with the UK’s commitments on human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate
End its support for fossil fuels through domestic policy, trade agreements, and international investments