As the UK and India resume negotiations this week, we need more than just another rushed trade deal. Labour must set out a clear strategy that protects workers’ rights, supports climate action, and upholds human rights.
Tom Wills, Director of the Trade Justice Movement said:
“As the UK and India restart trade negotiations, we are calling on the government to promise that any deal will deliver protections for workers, support climate action and promote human rights.”
“This week, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds flies to New Delhi to kick-start talks. Meanwhile, countries around the world – including the UK and India – are busy figuring out how to respond to Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs.
“Labour should resist rushing into a deal with India as a hedge against the volatility of US trade policy. Instead, Labour should break its silence by telling us what these trade agreements are intended to achieve and how they will promote the UK’s ambitions on things like net zero and international development.
“A headlong race to sign a low standards trade agreement will help no one. We need a coherent trade strategy which is transparent and gives MPs a say on trade issues. That should be in place before the UK signs any new deals.”