Overview

This bill amends the Trade Bill, primarily focusing on enhancing parliamentary scrutiny of future trade agreements post-Brexit. It mandates greater parliamentary involvement in the negotiation and ratification of trade deals, emphasizing sustainability, human rights, and environmental considerations.

Description

The Lords Amendments to the Trade Bill significantly strengthen parliamentary oversight of trade agreements. Key changes include:

Parliamentary Approval:

Negotiations for free trade agreements cannot begin without parliamentary approval of a negotiating mandate. The text of any proposed agreement also requires approval from both Houses of Parliament before ratification. This includes a wide range of agreements, encompassing FTAs, Association Agreements, and other similar international trade deals.

Impact Assessments:

Before approval, a sustainability impact assessment must be conducted. A post-ratification report is also required within five years of ratifying a free trade agreement to assess its impact on trade.

Specific Objectives:

The bill sets objectives for the government, including pursuing a customs union with the EU, maintaining North-South trade in Ireland, and securing a mobility framework for UK and EU citizens involved in trade.

Devolved Administrations:

The bill mandates consultation with devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) on trade agreements.

Equalities Legislation:

A statement on the impact of any new regulations on equalities legislation must be produced before parliamentary approval.

Committee on Trade Agreements:

A new Committee on Trade Agreements is established to review and recommend on trade agreements, considering economic, environmental, human rights, and labor impacts.

Conditions of Commencement:

The bill’s provisions will only come into force if a withdrawal agreement with the EU is approved or if the UK leaves the EU without such an agreement.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The cost will likely arise from increased administrative burdens related to parliamentary scrutiny, impact assessments, and consultations.

Groups Affected

• Parliament: Increased involvement in trade negotiations and ratification.
• Government: Increased administrative responsibilities and potential delays in trade negotiations.
• Devolved Administrations: Increased role in the consultation process.
• Businesses: Potential impact on trade relations, depending on the agreements reached.
• Citizens: Potential impacts on employment, environment, and human rights standards, depending on the trade agreements.
• Environmental Groups: The bill includes provisions designed to protect environmental standards.
• Human Rights Organizations: Greater consideration of human rights in trade negotiations and agreements.
• Trade Unions: The bill includes provisions to consider labor standards in the agreements.

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