We in Bath know just what a valuable contribution businesses make to a society. To a developing country they are not only valuable, but vital to support the growing economies. I am concerned that businesses recognise their importance in these scenarios and are then liable to exploit their situation. However, I know that the Government consistently makes clear that it expects British companies to act in accordance with human rights law wherever they operate, and that companies should not be able to act with impunity. This includes addressing all issues linked to human rights, such as labour standards and health and safety. The Government frequently works with businesses, other governments and civil society through a range of initiatives, to support UK companies to respect and protect human rights, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The UK's Action Plan on Business and Human Rights sets out our framework for implementing these principles. This includes the adoption of appropriate due diligence policies to identify, prevent and mitigate human rights risks, and commitment to monitoring and evaluating their implementation.
As you may be aware, the UK was the first country to publish its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in September 2013. I welcome that considerable progress has been made and that the Government will continue to update its plan to build on this. This comes alongside other related action, such as eliminating forced labour and exploitation from supply chains.