The UK used the WTO General Council in December 2025 to set out a concise list of deliverables for Ministerial Conference 14 (MC14): political direction on reform with a clear pathway to MC15; delivery of the plurilateral E‑Commerce Agreement (ECA) and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA); renewal of the e‑commerce moratorium; and a recommitment to a functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all Members. The statement, published on GOV.UK, framed these as UK priorities while acknowledging the need for outcomes that reflect others’ key interests.
On the reform file, the UK backed the Reform Facilitator’s report and a formal work plan running from MC14 to MC15, with time‑bound checkpoints. Officials indicated they could accept a short outcome document if consensus emerges well ahead of MC14, with early deadlines to test agreement and avoid last‑minute drafting disputes.
The UK argued that progress depends on Members engaging in good faith and avoiding tactical linkages across unrelated files, particularly where proposals cause no material harm. The emphasis is on securing ministerial decisions that restore confidence in the institution’s negotiating and oversight functions rather than expanding a list of deferred tasks.
On investment facilitation, the UK described the IFDA as ripe for ministerial action at MC14. Citing OECD analysis referenced in the statement, officials said the agreement could lift global GDP by up to 1 per cent, with gains weighted toward developing economies, and help address an estimated US$4 trillion financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals. Egypt’s participation as the 128th member was welcomed. The UK asked for IFDA to be placed on the MC14 agenda, for a ministerial facilitator to be appointed, and for a dedicated session during the conference.
Addressing concerns raised by India, the UK reiterated that IFDA’s scope excludes market access, investment protection and investor‑state dispute settlement. It stated that Article X:9 of the Marrakesh Agreement permits Members to add plurilateral agreements to Annex 4, and noted that trade and investment are already interlinked in WTO rules, including GATS Mode 3 and the TRIMs Agreement. According to the statement, 128 of 166 Members support IFDA, nearly 90 of them developing countries.
On digital trade, the UK pressed for renewal of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and for delivery of the E‑Commerce Agreement. It welcomed the Philippines as the 72nd participant and argued that the ECA, like IFDA, demonstrates legitimate use of WTO negotiating flexibilities. The statement pointed to OECD‑WTO research suggesting benefits are tilted towards low and lower‑middle income countries and that there are no known material negative impacts on non‑participants.
The UK reaffirmed support for a well‑functioning dispute settlement system and called for an agreed pathway between MC14 and MC15. For trade ministries and businesses, a credible timetable would reduce legal and commercial uncertainty that has persisted during the partial suspension of appellate review.
On development, the UK supported work in the Committee on Trade and Development to identify workable outcomes and noted proposals for a process‑oriented approach to least‑developed country (LDC) graduation. It backed focused sessions examining the specific challenges faced by graduating and graduated LDCs to avoid sharp policy cliffs and maintain continuity.
The UK welcomed the G90’s constructive approach on long‑standing implementation issues and supported moving technical discussions to the relevant committees. It favoured handling SPS and TBT matters in their respective committees, encouraging engagement with ongoing reviews and recommendations so that technical questions are resolved on a technical footing ahead of MC14.
Agriculture and food security were identified for pragmatic outcomes. Building on a Food Security Declaration supported by around 60 Members before MC12, the UK argued that stronger disciplines on export restrictions and prohibitions would make a tangible contribution by improving the reliability of food trade during crises. It signalled readiness to work with the African Group, the LDC Group and others to shape consensus text.
On remittances, the UK recognised the issue’s importance for developing and least‑developed countries and thanked Morocco for its proposal. However, officials requested clarity on whether the goal is to endorse substantive elements that may be addressed in other multilateral fora or to secure ministerial backing for further discussion. Pending that clarity, the UK did not support elevating the item to ministers at this stage.
Across files, the statement emphasised early consensus‑testing and disciplined drafting to avoid late‑stage blockage. For practitioners, the implications are clear: if ministers at MC14 endorse a reform work plan and move IFDA and the ECA toward Annex 4 incorporation, administrations should prepare for implementation planning, capacity‑building requests from developing Members, and increased committee workloads tied to SPS/TBT follow‑up.