MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT ON INVESTMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS

Early day motion 1672, tabled 20 October 1998 by Joan Walley (Labour). Signed by 78 members.

That this House notes the restart of the negotiations on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) at the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris on 20th October 1998; notes the possibility of alternative forums emerging; expresses continued concern over the potential impact of the MAI on local democracy, human rights, developing countries and labour and environmental standards; notes the proposed signing date as April or May 1999; notes the concerns raised over the MAI by a broad range of United Kingdom society including honourable Members, MEPs, local councillors from all political parties, trade unions, women's groups, cultural groups, church groups, small and medium sized businesses, and ethical business groups; and calls on the Government to consider a full parliamentary debate, to include developing countries meaningfully in negotiations and to sign an international investment agreement only if it balances the rights and responsibilities of international investors.

Signatures by party: Labour 47, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 4, Scottish National Party 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 1.