As Britain prepares to finalise a post-Brexit trade deal, campaigners warn that the agreement could have devastating consequences for nature and threaten the habitat of orangutans in Malaysia. The agreement has been criticised for potentially exacerbating deforestation and undermining the British government’s commitment to tackling deforestation abroad.

The trade deal between the UK and Malaysia would increase imports of palm oil and other agricultural products. Palm oil is a major contributor to deforestation in Malaysia and other countries, and the expansion of palm oil production has been linked to the destruction of rainforests and the loss of habitat for endangered species such as the orangutan.

Campaigners argue that the UK should not be promoting the expansion of palm oil production, given its harmful environmental impact. They have also raised concerns about the trade deal’s potential to undermine the British government’s commitment to tackling deforestation abroad. In 2020, the government launched a new strategy to tackle deforestation, which included measures to encourage sustainable trade and investment.

The UK government has defended the trade deal, stating that it includes commitments to sustainable trade and investment. However, campaigners argue that these commitments are weak, and that the agreement needs to go further to address the environmental risks associated with palm oil production.

The trade deal has also been criticised for its lack of transparency. Campaigners have raised concerns about the lack of public consultation and the limited information about the deal’s environmental impact. They argue that the UK government should be more transparent about the trade deal and engage with stakeholders to ensure that it does not have harmful environmental consequences.

The issue of palm oil and deforestation is a global problem, and many companies and governments have made commitments to address it. Palm oil production has been linked to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. In recent years, there have been efforts to encourage sustainable palm oil production, but progress could be faster.

The UK government’s trade deal with Malaysia is just one example of the challenges facing efforts to address deforestation and protect endangered species. It highlights the need for greater transparency and more substantial commitments to sustainable trade and investment.

Campaigners have expressed concerns over Malaysia’s poor track record on human rights and worry that the trade deal may legitimise a government accused of suppressing dissent and violating fundamental freedoms. Critics have also pointed out that the agreement could undermine UK food standards and compromise animal welfare.

Despite these criticisms, the UK government has defended the trade deal, arguing that it will bring economic benefits and create new opportunities for British businesses. However, as the global community faces an urgent need to protect the environment and address the climate crisis, governments must prioritise sustainable and ethical trade practices that do not harm people or the planet.