We cannot allow Liam Fox’s post-Brexit trade plans to go unscrutinised | Caroline Lucas

Deals containing clauses that threaten human rights are being debated in parliament - they must be defeated

The government cancelled parliament's recess at short notice so as not to give the impression MPs were on holiday a matter of weeks before we face crashing out of the EU.

The international trade secretary, Liam Fox, is using the opportunity to avoid proper scrutiny of plans that threaten our rights, our environment and our democracy. He tabled a general debate on post-Brexit trade agreements with the US, Australia, New Zealand and the Trans-Pacific Partnership for Thursday. And he is expected to launch negotiations soon after the debate - with no chance for parliament to stop him.

Related: Britain is discovering the difficult truth about trade deals | Phillip Inman