Transparency data

Minutes of the first meeting between the renewed TSD DAG and DBT, 4 April 2025

Published 28 May 2025

The meeting took place from 9:30am to 2:30pm on 4 April 2025.

1. Executive summary   

This was the first meeting of the second term of the renewed Trade and Sustainable Development Domestic Advisory Group (TSD DAG). This group continues the role of the first term of the TSD DAG which ran from 2022 to 2025. The agenda featured items on TSD Implementation, ways of working, DAG only workshops, and concluding with feedback with DBT.

2. Opening remarks

DBT’s Deputy Director covering TSD implementation welcomed the group, and thanked members for their attendance. DBT noted the context of the government’s focus on economic growth, and its interest in incorporating diverse stakeholder views into policy development and implementation, and welcomed the insights offered by the group. Internationally, the wider context on trade following recent tariff announcements by the United States of America was noted.

3. DBT introductory session

This session led by DBT focused on setting out the free trade agreements (FTAs) with TSD provisions which will be covered by the DAG, which also includes agreements such as Australia, New Zealand and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). They also set out the agreement requirements around the establishment of the DAG and Civil Society forums.

4. Ways of working

DBT flagged that the membership of the DAG has increased from 12 to 15 (with 10 members renewing) which bolsters its sectoral, regional and policy representation.

DBT outlined the group’s key objectives, which are to:

1. Support the effective monitoring of implementation chapters, in the relevant agreements.
2. Produce high quality recommendations for the consideration of UK government.
3. Engage meaningfully with the group’s counterparts within partner countries.

They also set out the DBT-DAG engagement structures which are through sub-committees, Civil Society forums and DAG engagements such as chair meetings, plenary meetings and written exchanges.  

It was agreed that rules of procedure (RoP) for the new group will be finalised at the earliest opportunity.

5. Policy priorities, achievements and forward plans

DBT highlighted key milestones achieved over the past 2.5 years, including TSD sub-committees with partner governments, Civil Society forums, dedicated thematic sessions, an expanding implementation portfolio, and policy input and advice. Upcoming engagements for the year were also flagged, and DAG members outlined some of their key priorities on environment and labour.

6. DAG-only sessions: ways of working and next steps and policy priorities

Two DAG-only workshop sessions were held to discuss ways of working, policy priorities and next steps for the DAG.

7. DAG feedback and discussion with DBT

DBT invited DAG members to feedback their insights. Key areas of discussion focused on:

• next steps and process for nominations for the DAG chair
• finalisation of the rules of procedure
• DBT and the DAG identifying ways to be proactive ahead of Civil Society forums, in terms of engagement and input
• the potential for joint workshops to provide a deeper dive into specific substantive issues, to form the basis for potential policy advice and recommendations

8. Closing remarks

DBT closed the plenary meeting by delivering a short summary of the day and reflecting on key discussion points and next steps, and concluded by thanking the DAG for their expertise and participation.

9. Attendees and apologies

9.1 Attendees

• British Exporters Association
• Greater Manchester Business Board
• London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Queen’s University Belfast
• Trade and Public Policy Network
• Trade Justice Movement
• Trade Union Congress
• Transform Trade
• UK Chamber of Shipping
• University of Sheffield
• World Wildlife Fund

9.2 Apologies

• Agricultural Industries Confederation
• National Farmers’ Union
• techUK
• UK Fashion and Textile Association