Briefings TJM's evidence for the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee's inquiry on scrutiny of trade agreements.
TJM's evidence for the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee's inquiry on scrutiny of trade agreements.
We have deep concerns about the UK’s existing scrutiny process for international treaties, particularly trade agreements. We engaged heavily with the Trade Bill and supported amendments on parliamentary scrutiny of trade agreements which had cross-party support, but were defeated. While we welcome concessions from ministers made at the Despatch Box, we believe there is still much that can be done to improve the level of scrutiny, and therefore this committee’s inquiry is important and timely.
The UK’s departure from the European Union and its plans for new trade agreements has highlighted the democratic deficit in the scrutiny of trade deals. However, Brexit also provides an opportunity for reforming this process, as the UK adopts an independent trade policy for the first time in nearly 50 years. While the Trade Bill was a missed opportunity for reform, the Government should set out new legislation which ensures democratic oversight and transparency in trade negotiations. Ideally, this would form part of a wider, published strategy for post-Brexit trade policy.
Downloads
Scrutiny Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee International treaties
