Hi John,
For the next week we have an opportunity to let the government know our views on what its new trade strategy should be, as the Department for Business and Trade is asking for the public’s input. This consultation is the most significant opportunity we have had to influence the new government’s approach to international trade, so we need to make our voices heard.
Can you take action now to keep corporate courts out of trade deals?
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Global Justice Now will be setting out a broad stall of trade justice recommendations, but one of the most critical issues is for the government to take a strong stance against climate-wrecking corporate courts.
These investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clauses in UK trade agreements empower corporations to raise vast legal claims against progressive policies, on everything from climate action to rules on health and human rights.
The Department for Business and Trade isn’t shouting from the rooftops about this public engagement process, but we want to make sure they know we’ve all noticed. So we’ve prepared some key recommendations on corporate courts, and with a couple of clicks you can make your voice heard at this timely moment in the crystallisation of UK trade policy. Can you help call time on the ISDS regime of corporate ransom now?
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Energy and momentum is building in the global movement against corporate courts. From the USA and Australia to Ecuador and Colombia, nations around the world are rowing back on ISDS in response to people-powered campaigns. This consultation calls for individuals' views – and as it’s all of us who will shoulder the taxpayer burden of ISDS claims, we hope the tens of thousands of you who called for and won a UK exit from the notorious Energy Charter Treaty will help keep up the pressure.
What we want to see in this trade strategy is a commitment to no new agreements with ISDS, and a review of all existing ISDS treaties with a view to renegotiating or terminating them.
The more of us express our views before Friday 17 January, the more pressure ministers will feel to make sure the new strategy addresses these issues. Can you submit a response to the government’s consultation now?
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This is an opportune moment after, at the close of last year, the Colombian government publicly called for its investment deal with the UK, which contains ISDS, to be renegotiated. (1)
These secret weapons for foreign investors have no place in a world where governments must take dynamic and drastic action to tackle climate change – and challenge the multinational corporations which are deterring such action here, and punishing protections of human rights and the environment in the global south countries we trade with.
In a fractious world, the case for trade justice needs loud voices. Thank you for lending yours.
In solidarity,
Cleodie Rickard,
Trade campaigner at Global Justice Now
Notes
1. Colombia is defending its sovereignty from the power of global corporations, Al Jazeera, 25 December 2024
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We take on issues that others are afraid to touch and we don’t make compromises.
By joining us, you can fight for regulations that put people before profit, and build public pressure against corporate greed.
Become a member and join others standing up to injustice.
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