An open letter to Andy Burnham on his first day as Prime Minister

Image: House of Commons

Today, we're sharing an open letter to the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham as he begins his time in office. A new government brings new opportunities, and this is the moment to act.

Trade has the power to improve lives, strengthen communities and protect our planet - but only if the system works for everyone. We believe the UK has a real chance to lead by championing fairer, more ethical trade, and we hope that the new Prime Minister puts fairness, sustainability and people at the heart of the UK's trade agenda.

Dear Prime Minister,

We are writing on behalf of Transform Trade, an organisation working with producers, communities, and policymakers to build a trade system that is fairer, more sustainable and better able to support people and the planet.

Congratulations on taking up your new role, and we welcome you on your first day in office. We at Transform Trade are asking you to put building a fairer and more ethical trade system high on your agenda, because we know that trade can be a powerful force for positive change. Right now, the current system is broken – it's not working for people or the planet. Too often, it leaves decisions to the market, concentrates wealth among the most powerful, and allows poor practice to go unchecked.

As Prime Minister, you have a real opportunity to help reshape the global trade system. Fairer trade could build a vital legacy by delivering lasting benefits for communities in the UK and around the world.

How we build a fairer trade system:

Cooperation, not competition. The UK can show leadership by working with partners to build a fairer trade system for everyone.

Work for the many, not the few. Small businesses create many of the world’s jobs and much of its food, and they need to be heard in trade decisions.

Trade that supports climate goals. The UK must fully support the UNFCCC’s work on just transition and ensure climate finance reaches micro and small businesses.

Use the G20 presidency to make progress. Building on the South African presidency’s themes of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability, the UK can work with major trading nations on a more cooperative vision for trade.

Deliver on responsible business practice. The UK’s review of responsible business practice can help improve how workers and suppliers across the world experience doing business with the UK.

We would really welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss these ideas and how we can help turn them into action.

Wishing you the best for your first week in office,

Transform Trade