A sigh of relief over scrapping food labelling rules - Stuart Minting

The proposals aimed to guarantee meat and dairy products sold in Northern Ireland do not cross into the EU at its Republic of Ireland border.

The previous Tory government maintained the measures were essential to protect Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. It’s difficult to see why any length of hiatus could lead to the post-Brexit measure becoming acceptable for farmers and food producers in Yorkshire.

Changing labelling would prove confusing and costly both for suppliers and consumers, the latter being the last pressure needed after a particularly financially challenging few years. Industry leaders have likened the move to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Nevertheless, the labelling move could rear up again if the government is unable to negotiate an alternative solution with the EU. Labour has not given any indication as to what, if any, proposals they have to resolve the issue. Keir Starmer faces the prospect of pro-Brexit campaigners’ criticism at any prospect of the weakening of the Brexit deal, while those who wish the referendum had gone the other way will want to see a restoration of a closer relationship.

The Prime Minister has placed attracting business and investment into the country at the core of his strategy, with many entrepreneurs pushing for a relaxation of post-Brexit trade barriers.

So it’s vital that the farming and food production sectors continue lobbying to underline the potential impact.

The agricultural and food production industries have had to contend with poor communications over national policies in recent years, which has been very unwelcome. The sooner there can be some certainty the better.

At the same time, as labelling remains in the spotlight, the government should grasp the nettle and do something that will be of benefit to farmers and food producers.

Clearly marking British produce as just that on shop shelves, as well as promoting the high environmental and animal welfare standards it adheres to is something that would be of clear benefit to consumers too.