Marie Rumsby, Director of Advocacy at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: 

“The Fairtrade Foundation is disappointed that the King’s Speech, setting out the Government’s legislative agenda, did not include a commitment to introduce a UK law requiring mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) for businesses. At a time when global supply chains are under growing scrutiny, and when UK consumers and businesses alike increasingly expect higher standards of transparency and accountability, this omission risks leaving the UK behind international partners such as the EU, which has already moved forward with comprehensive due diligence legislation. Without a clear legal framework, voluntary commitments remain insufficient to address systemic risks of exploitation, unsafe working conditions, deforestation, and environmental degradation embedded in global trade. 

“Mandatory HREDD is urgently needed to protect the rights and livelihoods of smallholder farmers and workers, create a level playing field for responsible businesses, and ensure that UK supply chains contribute to sustainable development rather than harm. For Fairtrade producers, particularly those facing the frontline impacts of climate change and market volatility, stronger legal safeguards would help drive fairer trading practices and more equitable distribution of value. Introducing such a law would not only align the UK with emerging global standards but also demonstrate leadership in responsible business conduct, ensuring human rights and environmental protections across all sectors. This is why we hope the imminent conclusion of the Responsible Business Conduct Review will signal the UK Government’s intent to bring forward a new HREDD legislation.” 

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