The statement was delivered during Agenda item 7: Appellate Body Appointments -- Proposal by Various Members
Thank you, Chair.
The United Kingdom continues its support for this proposal for the launch of the selection processes.
The United Kingdom supports a fully functioning dispute settlement system as the best means of enforcing the rules we have negotiated. The WTO dispute settlement system is vital in upholding the rights of Members - ensuring the fair resolution of disagreements and preventing recourse to unilateral measures.
We welcomed the call of the Director-General, in her General Council remarks last month, for a road map towards reform and a work programme to achieve this which can be endorsed at this year’s Ministerial Conference. The United Kingdom stands ready to engage with all Members in the important discussions to come, to find common ground and solutions on dispute settlement reform.
Thank-you.