On 6 December 2021, the International Trade Committee (a House of Commons Selected Committee) launched a new inquiry into the interplay between the UK’s approach to trade and its foreign policy objectives.

The inquiry will consider the extent to which the UK Government should advance its foreign policy strategy through trade agreements. It will also examine whether free trade agreements and broader trade policy can be used to promote human rights, the rules-based international order and democratic values as well as the role of a trade agreement in advancing British interests globally.