Overview

This Trade Bill amendment focuses on ensuring that future UK trade agreements comply with international human rights obligations and do not involve countries committing genocide or crimes against humanity. The amendment establishes a process for parliamentary scrutiny and potential action against trade agreements with states accused of such serious violations.

Description

Initial Amendments (Rejected)

The initial Lords amendments aimed to introduce a risk assessment process for all new trade agreements, assessing compliance with international human rights obligations, and automatically revoke agreements with states committing genocide.

Revised Amendments (Adopted)

After Commons objections, revised amendments were agreed upon. These amendments focus on a process where the relevant parliamentary committees investigate credible reports of genocide by a trade partner. If the committees are unsatisfied with the government's response, a motion will be debated in Parliament on the course of action regarding the trade agreement. A new Parliamentary Judicial Committee (PJC) comprised of individuals with high judicial experience will be established to conduct preliminary determinations on claims of genocide.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify the financial implications of establishing the PJC. The cost will depend on the structure and processes established through secondary legislation.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Parliamentary Committees: Increased responsibility for scrutinizing trade agreements and potential genocide allegations.
• Government: Increased scrutiny and potential need to reassess trade agreements based on human rights concerns.
• Businesses: Potential disruptions to trade if agreements are reviewed or revoked.
• Victims of Genocide: The bill provides a mechanism for them to seek redress through parliamentary process.
• States Accused of Genocide: Potential impact on trade relations with the UK.

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