Tom Wills
@thomaswills.bsky.social
Director of the Trade Justice Movement
Reposted by Tom Wills
"Keeping ISDS in our trade deals leaves the door open to preposterous claims by billionaire oligarchs and multinational corporations alike.
"Win or lose, it’s taxpayers here who will pick up the bill.
"The UK must follow other countries in getting rid of ISDS." - @cleodierickard.bsky.social
"Win or lose, it’s taxpayers here who will pick up the bill.
"The UK must follow other countries in getting rid of ISDS." - @cleodierickard.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 12:33 PM
"Keeping ISDS in our trade deals leaves the door open to preposterous claims by billionaire oligarchs and multinational corporations alike.
"Win or lose, it’s taxpayers here who will pick up the bill.
"The UK must follow other countries in getting rid of ISDS." - @cleodierickard.bsky.social
"Win or lose, it’s taxpayers here who will pick up the bill.
"The UK must follow other countries in getting rid of ISDS." - @cleodierickard.bsky.social
Great to see some moral clarity from @elliechowns.bsky.social and the @greenparty.org.uk on this 🙌
As Reeves travels to Riyadh to discuss trade, Saudi Arabia is in the middle of an execution spree. The UK must not cosy up to regimes with appalling human rights records.
Trade deals can’t come at the cost of our values; our govt must not prioritise profit over human rights.
Trade deals can’t come at the cost of our values; our govt must not prioritise profit over human rights.
October 28, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Great to see some moral clarity from @elliechowns.bsky.social and the @greenparty.org.uk on this 🙌
This is important - yet more evidence that the #ISDS system exists to guarantee corporate profits and completely disregards human rights and the environment.
In the UK, Labour should be emulating its sister parties in Aus and NZ by conducting a review of these agreements.
In the UK, Labour should be emulating its sister parties in Aus and NZ by conducting a review of these agreements.
🆕 stories show how old investment treaties still roll out the red carpet for investors to sue EU countries over sanctions against aggressive regimes, national security, climate laws, tax policies …
This secretive #ISDS system puts profits above democracy. Read more 👉 10isdsstories.org #StopISDS
This secretive #ISDS system puts profits above democracy. Read more 👉 10isdsstories.org #StopISDS
September 17, 2025 at 1:55 PM
This is important - yet more evidence that the #ISDS system exists to guarantee corporate profits and completely disregards human rights and the environment.
In the UK, Labour should be emulating its sister parties in Aus and NZ by conducting a review of these agreements.
In the UK, Labour should be emulating its sister parties in Aus and NZ by conducting a review of these agreements.
We've written to Keir Starmer today to highlight deep human rights concerns with the UK-Gulf trade agreement
🚨 The UK is on the verge of signing a trade deal with Gulf states that puts human rights at risk.
Together with 13 other organisations, we’ve sent a joint letter urging the UK government to act. 🧵⬇️
Together with 13 other organisations, we’ve sent a joint letter urging the UK government to act. 🧵⬇️
September 2, 2025 at 12:54 PM
We've written to Keir Starmer today to highlight deep human rights concerns with the UK-Gulf trade agreement
I'm quoted in this article, making the case for the UK to reject the system of corporate courts which allow fossil fuel companies to sue governments over climate policies...
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/14/c...
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/14/c...
Bot Verification
bylinetimes.com
August 19, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I'm quoted in this article, making the case for the UK to reject the system of corporate courts which allow fossil fuel companies to sue governments over climate policies...
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/14/c...
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/14/c...
This is huge - the UK is being sued by a coal mining company for acting against fossil fuels.
This should be a wake up call for our government, we can't have climate action without dismantling the ISDS 'corporate courts' which exist in 80+ UK investment agreements.
This should be a wake up call for our government, we can't have climate action without dismantling the ISDS 'corporate courts' which exist in 80+ UK investment agreements.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Britain is being SUED - all because the High Court rightly ruled that the Cumbria coal mine must not go ahead over its climate impacts.
Corporations should not be allowed to sue us for taking climate action! #EndISDS
www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/britain...
Britain is being SUED - all because the High Court rightly ruled that the Cumbria coal mine must not go ahead over its climate impacts.
Corporations should not be allowed to sue us for taking climate action! #EndISDS
www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/britain...
Britain sued in ‘corporate court’ over quashing of coal mine in Cumbria - Global Justice Now
Claimants are being represented by Conservative MP and former attorney general Geoffrey Cox Lawsuit is the first known case under Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) against the UK since 2006 […]
www.globaljustice.org.uk
August 11, 2025 at 7:59 AM
This is huge - the UK is being sued by a coal mining company for acting against fossil fuels.
This should be a wake up call for our government, we can't have climate action without dismantling the ISDS 'corporate courts' which exist in 80+ UK investment agreements.
This should be a wake up call for our government, we can't have climate action without dismantling the ISDS 'corporate courts' which exist in 80+ UK investment agreements.
Reposted by Tom Wills
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Britain is being SUED - all because the High Court rightly ruled that the Cumbria coal mine must not go ahead over its climate impacts.
Corporations should not be allowed to sue us for taking climate action! #EndISDS
www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/britain...
Britain is being SUED - all because the High Court rightly ruled that the Cumbria coal mine must not go ahead over its climate impacts.
Corporations should not be allowed to sue us for taking climate action! #EndISDS
www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/britain...
Britain sued in ‘corporate court’ over quashing of coal mine in Cumbria - Global Justice Now
Claimants are being represented by Conservative MP and former attorney general Geoffrey Cox Lawsuit is the first known case under Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) against the UK since 2006 […]
www.globaljustice.org.uk
August 10, 2025 at 12:32 PM
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Britain is being SUED - all because the High Court rightly ruled that the Cumbria coal mine must not go ahead over its climate impacts.
Corporations should not be allowed to sue us for taking climate action! #EndISDS
www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/britain...
Britain is being SUED - all because the High Court rightly ruled that the Cumbria coal mine must not go ahead over its climate impacts.
Corporations should not be allowed to sue us for taking climate action! #EndISDS
www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/britain...
Reposted by Tom Wills
Our August newsletter is out now!
• Labour’s first year: why its Trade Strategy still looks worryingly familiar
• US tariff threats to the Global South
• How the energy transition risks becoming a dirty deal
• Plus lots more updates
📩 Read it here: tinyurl.com/yrybbvre
• Labour’s first year: why its Trade Strategy still looks worryingly familiar
• US tariff threats to the Global South
• How the energy transition risks becoming a dirty deal
• Plus lots more updates
📩 Read it here: tinyurl.com/yrybbvre
August 7, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Our August newsletter is out now!
• Labour’s first year: why its Trade Strategy still looks worryingly familiar
• US tariff threats to the Global South
• How the energy transition risks becoming a dirty deal
• Plus lots more updates
📩 Read it here: tinyurl.com/yrybbvre
• Labour’s first year: why its Trade Strategy still looks worryingly familiar
• US tariff threats to the Global South
• How the energy transition risks becoming a dirty deal
• Plus lots more updates
📩 Read it here: tinyurl.com/yrybbvre
This is really important from @globaljusticenow.bsky.social - mining of 'critical minerals' is always framed as vital for the energy transition...but many of those minerals have no role in tackling climate change (and plenty of use in weapons/aerospace).
theecologist.org/2025/aug/07/...
theecologist.org/2025/aug/07/...
Military diverting critical materials from renewables
Campaigners say green transition must not be hijacked by military industries or used to undermine the economies of developing countries.
theecologist.org
August 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This is really important from @globaljusticenow.bsky.social - mining of 'critical minerals' is always framed as vital for the energy transition...but many of those minerals have no role in tackling climate change (and plenty of use in weapons/aerospace).
theecologist.org/2025/aug/07/...
theecologist.org/2025/aug/07/...
Whatever trade deal is announced today by Trump, MPs will have no opportunity to approve it. Our system for approving treaties like this has been largely unchanged since the 1920s.
I'm in the @financialtimes.com highlighting this democratic deficit.
www.ft.com/content/0ef1...
I'm in the @financialtimes.com highlighting this democratic deficit.
www.ft.com/content/0ef1...
Letter: Parliament must have a say on UK-US trade deal
From Tom Wills, Director, Trade Justice Movement, London SW9, UK
www.ft.com
May 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Whatever trade deal is announced today by Trump, MPs will have no opportunity to approve it. Our system for approving treaties like this has been largely unchanged since the 1920s.
I'm in the @financialtimes.com highlighting this democratic deficit.
www.ft.com/content/0ef1...
I'm in the @financialtimes.com highlighting this democratic deficit.
www.ft.com/content/0ef1...
www.ft.com/content/faea...
Giving MPs a vote on a US trade deal is the very least we should expect from a serious government which values democracy and accountability. It's good to see Starmer getting called out on this.
Giving MPs a vote on a US trade deal is the very least we should expect from a serious government which values democracy and accountability. It's good to see Starmer getting called out on this.
Keir Starmer resists pressure to give MPs a vote on any US-UK trade deal
Britain hopes to seal trio of trade accords in coming weeks as talks also continue with the EU and India
www.ft.com
May 1, 2025 at 8:56 AM
www.ft.com/content/faea...
Giving MPs a vote on a US trade deal is the very least we should expect from a serious government which values democracy and accountability. It's good to see Starmer getting called out on this.
Giving MPs a vote on a US trade deal is the very least we should expect from a serious government which values democracy and accountability. It's good to see Starmer getting called out on this.
An editorial from @the-independent.com notes that huge political boost which Starmer could win by getting a trade deal with Trump. However, its conclusion is bang on... (1/2)
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
If Starmer pulls off a trade deal with the US, he’ll seal his legacy
Editorial: Although the prospect has seemed far from realistic in the past, JD Vance’s recent remarks suggest it could indeed be possible now
www.independent.co.uk
April 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
An editorial from @the-independent.com notes that huge political boost which Starmer could win by getting a trade deal with Trump. However, its conclusion is bang on... (1/2)
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
Barely reported today - the colossal impact of Trump's tariffs on wages, jobs and poverty levels in the Global South.
What's the justification for a 50% tariff on Lesotho?
economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/interna...
What's the justification for a 50% tariff on Lesotho?
economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/interna...
Trump tariffs are ‘disaster’ for the world’s poorest countries
US President Trump's new reciprocal tariffs will heavily impact some of the world's poorest countries, with rates up to 50%. These tariffs could undermine their labor-intensive export industries, push...
economictimes.indiatimes.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Barely reported today - the colossal impact of Trump's tariffs on wages, jobs and poverty levels in the Global South.
What's the justification for a 50% tariff on Lesotho?
economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/interna...
What's the justification for a 50% tariff on Lesotho?
economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/interna...
And if we get a trade deal, what then? The UK should ask Canada how seriously Trump takes commitments in trade agreements.
No 10 concedes UK will be hit by new Trump tariffs as trade deal talks drag on
No 10 concedes UK will be hit by new Trump tariffs as trade deal talks drag on
Downing Street says it ‘reserves right’ to respond to protect national interest when US levies are announced this week
* UK politics live – latest updates
Downing Street has admitted the UK will be hit by more tariffs when Donald Trump announces his latest round of trade barriers on Wednesday, and said it “reserves the right” to respond to protect the national interest.
Ministers are now expecting the UK to be hit by a tariff that will apply to all countries as part of the US president’s “liberation day”, despite hoping to have secured a carve out. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
April 3, 2025 at 9:53 AM
And if we get a trade deal, what then? The UK should ask Canada how seriously Trump takes commitments in trade agreements.
There's a huge focus on Trump's tariffs: will they hit the UK? How hard? Will the UK hit back?
This risks missing the point. What if they're only ever meant to back the UK into a corner, from which the US can secure a trade deal from a position of even greater strength?
This risks missing the point. What if they're only ever meant to back the UK into a corner, from which the US can secure a trade deal from a position of even greater strength?
April 2, 2025 at 2:15 PM
There's a huge focus on Trump's tariffs: will they hit the UK? How hard? Will the UK hit back?
This risks missing the point. What if they're only ever meant to back the UK into a corner, from which the US can secure a trade deal from a position of even greater strength?
This risks missing the point. What if they're only ever meant to back the UK into a corner, from which the US can secure a trade deal from a position of even greater strength?
Fantastic from @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social - doing a sterling job of trying to pin the government down on its position on ISDS.
And she's right - on trade issues we're yet to see much difference at all between this government and the last lot...
And she's right - on trade issues we're yet to see much difference at all between this government and the last lot...
Surely the Labour government is not just going to follow on negotiating an India Free Trade Deal from where the Tories left off?
Surely? What about labour rights and environmental justice? What about #ISDS?
@tradejusticemov.bsky.social @waronwant.bsky.social
Surely? What about labour rights and environmental justice? What about #ISDS?
@tradejusticemov.bsky.social @waronwant.bsky.social
March 7, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Fantastic from @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social - doing a sterling job of trying to pin the government down on its position on ISDS.
And she's right - on trade issues we're yet to see much difference at all between this government and the last lot...
And she's right - on trade issues we're yet to see much difference at all between this government and the last lot...
Reposted by Tom Wills
Surely the Labour government is not just going to follow on negotiating an India Free Trade Deal from where the Tories left off?
Surely? What about labour rights and environmental justice? What about #ISDS?
@tradejusticemov.bsky.social @waronwant.bsky.social
Surely? What about labour rights and environmental justice? What about #ISDS?
@tradejusticemov.bsky.social @waronwant.bsky.social
March 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Surely the Labour government is not just going to follow on negotiating an India Free Trade Deal from where the Tories left off?
Surely? What about labour rights and environmental justice? What about #ISDS?
@tradejusticemov.bsky.social @waronwant.bsky.social
Surely? What about labour rights and environmental justice? What about #ISDS?
@tradejusticemov.bsky.social @waronwant.bsky.social
Great to see @theguardian.com/@patrickgreenfield.bsky.social cover this wild story of Greenland's government acting vs toxic mining, only to be hit with an $11bn lawsuit...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Stop ISDS! Join @tradejusticemov.bsky.social in campaigning to dismantle the system.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Stop ISDS! Join @tradejusticemov.bsky.social in campaigning to dismantle the system.
Fearing toxic waste, Greenland ended uranium mining. Now, they could be forced to restart - or pay $11bn
The island is being sued by a mining company over its decision, and faces paying nine times its annual budget in damages if it loses
www.theguardian.com
March 5, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Great to see @theguardian.com/@patrickgreenfield.bsky.social cover this wild story of Greenland's government acting vs toxic mining, only to be hit with an $11bn lawsuit...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Stop ISDS! Join @tradejusticemov.bsky.social in campaigning to dismantle the system.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Stop ISDS! Join @tradejusticemov.bsky.social in campaigning to dismantle the system.
Listen to Nick 👇. Great run down of the risks of a UK-India trade deal, to coincide with UK ministers jetting off to try to finalise the agreement.
UK-India trade talks restart today. Trade talks are usually reported as a high level barter between different national interests. But what's under discussion cuts across national interests, affecting different parts of society in very different ways🧵
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
India-UK: Jonathan Reynolds in Delhi to relaunch trade talks
British trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds is in Delhi to kick-start two days of discussions on the deal.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Listen to Nick 👇. Great run down of the risks of a UK-India trade deal, to coincide with UK ministers jetting off to try to finalise the agreement.
Reposted by Tom Wills
🚨 The TJM January newsletter is out now!
You'll find out more about:
🌍 Citizens' Assembly updates & global online launch (14 Jan)
🇨🇴 Colombia-UK treaty developments
📢 Member updates & opportunities
🔗 mailchi.mp/22dbb8f02b3c...
To a hopeful and impactful 2025!
✍️ Sign up: tinyurl.com/ye2kt338
You'll find out more about:
🌍 Citizens' Assembly updates & global online launch (14 Jan)
🇨🇴 Colombia-UK treaty developments
📢 Member updates & opportunities
🔗 mailchi.mp/22dbb8f02b3c...
To a hopeful and impactful 2025!
✍️ Sign up: tinyurl.com/ye2kt338
TJM Newsletter - January 2025
mailchi.mp
January 9, 2025 at 2:09 PM
🚨 The TJM January newsletter is out now!
You'll find out more about:
🌍 Citizens' Assembly updates & global online launch (14 Jan)
🇨🇴 Colombia-UK treaty developments
📢 Member updates & opportunities
🔗 mailchi.mp/22dbb8f02b3c...
To a hopeful and impactful 2025!
✍️ Sign up: tinyurl.com/ye2kt338
You'll find out more about:
🌍 Citizens' Assembly updates & global online launch (14 Jan)
🇨🇴 Colombia-UK treaty developments
📢 Member updates & opportunities
🔗 mailchi.mp/22dbb8f02b3c...
To a hopeful and impactful 2025!
✍️ Sign up: tinyurl.com/ye2kt338
Welcoming myself to BlueSky 🤝 in the next year I'm hoping to post about the emergence of an ambitious and progressive UK trade strategy and the continued disintegration of the ISDS system, as well as anything else we get up to @tradejusticemov.bsky.social
January 9, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Welcoming myself to BlueSky 🤝 in the next year I'm hoping to post about the emergence of an ambitious and progressive UK trade strategy and the continued disintegration of the ISDS system, as well as anything else we get up to @tradejusticemov.bsky.social