In June 2024, the world’s first Citizens’ Assembly on Trade and Climate brought together a diverse group of UK citizens to explore how the UK Government should align its trade policies with climate action. Convened by the Trade Justice Movement, Queen Mary University of London, and MutualGain, this Assembly set out to address two crucial questions: How can trade policies respond effectively to climate change? And what should be the role of the UK public in shaping these policies?
The UK Government’s current climate action has been deemed insufficient, with the Climate Change Committee warning of a “worryingly slow” pace and the High Court ruling in May 2024 that the UK’s climate plan failed to meet legal standards. Meanwhile, discussions about the intersection of trade and climate policy are intensifying, but two key issues remain unresolved: What policies should form the basis of a green trade strategy, and how can the public have a meaningful say in these decisions?
This detailed report provides an in-depth account of the Assembly’s methodology, project governance, and oversight processes, alongside a clear outline of its structure and sessions. It also presents the Assembly’s key findings, including detailed recommendations endorsed by the participants, and offers a robust evaluation of the process and outcomes. By documenting every aspect of the Assembly, this report highlights the power of informed public engagement in tackling the critical intersection of trade and climate policy.
In addition, read the Policy Brief here to understand how citizens shaped actionable solutions to align UK trade policy with climate action.
