Call for Evidence

We welcome submissions which answer any of the following questions: 

• Should,and how could, UK trade policy be used to bolster the rules-based international order, such as through strengthening multilateral organisations, and promoting predictability in international relations?  
• How are trade agreements currently used to promote democracy, or lay the groundwork for the development of democratic values? And how could trade agreements address these goals more effectively, particularly, but not limited to, promotion of1) the UK’s legal system; 2) leadership in the cyber domain; 3) support for open societies; and 4) media freedom. 
• How are trade agreements currently used to promote human rights, or lay the groundwork to strengthen human rights practices? And how could trade agreements address these goals more effectively, particularly, but not limited to, promotion of:1) freedom of religious belief; 2) labour rights; and 3) due process. 
• How are trade agreements currently used to promote, or lay the groundwork for development of, free, fair, and transparent trade? And how could trade agreements address these goals more effectively, particularly, but not limited to, development of:1) norms and rules in e-commerce; 2) competitive digital markets; and 3) WTO rules and agreements. 
• To what extent could/should monitoring or enforcement mechanisms be used to assess a trading partner’s adherence to specific provisions in trade agreements(for example, around human rights)?  
• What role can/should a trade agreement play as a soft-power tool to further British interests? 
• In coordinating trade and foreign policy what relationship shouldthe Department for International Trade have with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office?
• In coordinating trade and foreign policy how, in the identification of prospective trading partners, should Government weigh the balance of its foreign policy goals against benefits or concessions for UK businesses and consumers?

We read all the evidence we receive. The evidence you give may help to shape our inquiry and final report.