Northumbria Law School Professor Advises UK Government on India-UK Trade Agreement

Professor Gita Gill of Northumbria Law School has been invited to provide expert advice to the UK's Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) on environmental aspects of the recently concluded India-UK Trade Agreement. TAC plays a vital role in scrutinising trade agreements to ensure they maintain the UK's environmental, animal welfare, and food safety standards.

An expert in Environmental Law, Professor Gill submitted a comprehensive written opinion to the Commission's Environment sub-group examining India's regulatory framework and its trade implications for the UK. Her analysis focused on three critical areas: pesticides, climate change, and biodiversity. Following her written submission, Professor Gill presented an oral expert opinion to members of the Environment sub-group during an online meeting, providing detailed insights to inform the Commission's assessment of the trade agreement.

Professor Gill said: "Maintaining environmental quality standards requires balancing consideration of society’s attitude to risk, achievability, costs and benefits to the environment and society, economic growth and wider issues of sustainability. My interaction with the TAC’s Environment sub-group members focused on Indian regulations with a view to assessing their implications for UK statutory protections on animal/plant health or life, animal welfare and environmental protection."

Professor Gill's contribution underscores Northumbria Law School's national and international reputation and its commitment to informing policy at the highest levels of government.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Trade and Agriculture Commission is an independent body that advises the UK Government on trade policy

Professor Gita Gill is a Professor of Environmental Law at Northumbria Law School