Fairtrade welcomes new PM and calls him to clean up UK's supply chains

The Fairtrade Foundation welcomes Andy Burnham as the new Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, and urges his government in their first 100 days to ensure UK businesses behave responsibly by setting out a clear path to a mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) law.

Marie Rumsby, Advocacy Director at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: "The people working hard every day to grow our food deserve fair pay, safe working conditions and protection from the growing risks in global supply chains.

"The Prime Minister has previously voiced his view on fair pay for workers. In his first 100 days, the Prime Minister should set out a clear path to a new Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence law. Done right, this would stop the UK from becoming a dumping ground for unethical products, protect people and planet, strengthen UK trade and resilience, and give responsible businesses the clarity they need to act."

Fairtrade says that stronger rules are needed to tackle human rights and environmental risks that are too often deeply connected in global supply chains, from unfair pay and forced labour to deforestation and climate damage. A mandatory due diligence law would help prevent harm before it happens, support smallholder farmers and workers in the Global South and fill critical gaps in current legislation. It would also bring the UK into line with emerging international standards.

There is also growing public demand for transparency and fairness in supply chains. Fairtrade research shows that 76% of people in the UK believe businesses should be required to show evidence that they protect human rights and reduce environmental harm, while its campaign petition has reached 100,000 signatures.

Marie continued: "Other economies are already moving ahead. The UK must not fall behind. A strong HREDD law would improve the UK's international reputation on human rights and the environment, while helping responsible businesses compete on a level playing field."

The Fairtrade Foundation seeks to tackle the causes of poverty and exploitation by promoting fairness and sustainability in global trade. Fairtrade works with more than two million farmers and workers in over 70 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, and most of the UK's major retailers and brands, supporting them to source their products on fairer and more sustainable terms.