Trade as a force for good: A spotlight on Labour’s international trade policy

By James Surallie

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shadow Minister for International Trade, Nia Griffith MP, discussing a range of topics from the recently signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to the Labour Party’s position on Brexit. For Trade Tuesday, I’ve reflected on this conversation and analysed Labour’s international trade policy platform. 

Labour is determined to ‘Make Brexit Work’, and repairing the UK’s relationship with the EU – as a close (historically and geographically) ally and the UK’s largest trading partner – would be a Labour government priority.  

Alongside Labour’s desire to get back on good terms with the EU, the Opposition hold the opinion that trade can be a force for good and should be articulated as such. Throughout the conversation, it was evident that Griffith saw international trade as having the potential to push forward progress on human rights and the fight against climate change. She asserted that Labour would promote these goals by including them in their FTA negotiating principles.  

Unsurprisingly, Labour has pledged to put workers at the heart of its trade policy. When discussing P&O Ferries sacking nearly 800 staff, Griffith said that the next Labour government would ensure that every trade agreement the UK signs will be used to protect, promote, and enforce the rights of workers, wherever they may live.  

While the protection of workers is key for Labour, so too is the security of British businesses. Although welcoming the removal of steel tariffs from the US, Griffith pointed out how the EU had already agreed this months before, which had placed further strain on the UK steel industry. She also stated that a Labour government would take a more proactive role in helping UK firms benefit from the opportunities that arise from trade agreements. Further, they would be supported domestically through Labour’s ‘Buy, Make, and Sell More in Britain’ policy.  

With the UK still trying to find its footing now outside of the EU in an ever-changing world, it will be interesting to see how Labour’s policy on global trade evolves, and also how they hold the government to account as it too continues to shape its international approach.