In a letter to Secretary of State for International Trade Kemi Badenok, the International Trade Commission asked the government to clarify how the government’s trade policy relates to the UK’s environmental goals.
The Inter-Party Committee raised a range of concerns about carbon leakage by UK producers moving carbon-intensive elements of their supply chains offshore, stating that “a full reply to this letter is due by 14 December. We look forward to scrutinizing future FTAs, and other possible
inquiry”.
Current estimates put almost 50% of the UK’s carbon footprint abroad. Concerns have been raised about the implementation of the Carbon Boundary Adjustment Mechanism, but the Commission said it could be a useful transitional tool pending a more complete international agreement on carbon measurement and pricing. increase.
Summarizing the evidence received as part of the Trade and Environmental Inquiry, which ended on 28 February, the Commission now raises concerns about the use of pesticides in countries with which the UK has trade negotiations. We initiated this study to examine the extent to which the government’s approach to trade reflects its ‘net-zero’ ambitions. We provide expert evidence on issues ranging from the role of environmental considerations in free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, to consumer labeling, export finance, and the trade of environmentally friendly goods and technologies. received.
It highlights findings from the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) that pesticide use is “an issue of particular concern in negotiating trade agreements.” For example, Australian farmers can use more than 70 of his pesticides that are banned in the UK, potentially exposing UK consumers to harmful chemicals in their food. In light of this, MPs have called on the government to “ensure never to sign trade agreements that undermine UK pesticide controls”.
The commission is also asking how the government will deal with unfair competition arising from new deals, as trade deals with countries with weaker pesticide controls could undermine UK producers. It calls on the Department of International Trade to work internationally to limit the use of pesticides in food produced for the UK market.
As a result of discrepancies over how the environmental impact of products is labeled, the letter suggests that the government has decided to reduce the We are also asking whether we would consider a signaling system for labeling similar to nutritional information. .
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s reasons for not joining the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability.It therefore urges the government to consider joining.
Additionally, the letter asks what steps governments will take to promote consistent regulation of “green” goods and services internationally.
Commenting on the communication, Angus Brendan McNeil MP, Chairman of the International Trade Commission, said: With COP27 fast approaching, it remains to be seen how the government’s net zero ambition will interact with trade policy, and how far the UK aims to decarbonize its supply chain. Unknown. Government rhetoric on the environment must be backed up by clear action. ”
