Don't allow farmers to be undercut in EU deal, MPs warn
The Government must ensure that UK farmers are not undercut by meat and fish products from countries with lower animal welfare standards in any trade deal with the European Union, MPs have said.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee urged ministers to seek a Swiss-style exemption on welfare, in a report published today.
It comes with the Cabinet Office negotiating a food and drink deal with the EU - which the Government claims will boost the UK economy by £5.1bn a year.
This includes a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement which would reduce the red tape around animal and plant imports and exports.
But the Efra Committee said an exemption around animal welfare would mean the UK would not need to change its own regulations every time the EU does.
It also explained it is concerned that farmers could be undercut if the Government’s recently revealed Animal Welfare Strategy places extra burdens on UK farmers.
Chair Alistair Carmichael said: “Making it easier to trade with our European neighbours should present a feast of benefits for British businesses, farmers and consumers.
“But there is a lot on the menu for the Government to consider, and our recommendations aim to help ministers set the table.
“For starters, we strongly urge the Government to aim for a Swiss-style carve out of dynamic alignment with the EU regarding animal welfare.
“We must avoid unnecessary burdens and undercutting of farmers from products produced abroad where animals are treated worse than in the UK.
“This would present a zero-sum game and a threat to our already wary industry.”
York Outer MP Luke Charters asked Sir Keir Starmer about the prospective food and drink deal with the EU at Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday.
Mr Charters said: “An EU agrifood deal would boost exports and cut supermarket prices.
“The CBI backs it, and according to Best for Britain’s polling, 62 per cent of the public do, but — surprise, surprise — Reform opposes it.”
Sir Keir responded by saying: “The deal we have struck with the EU means lower prices at the check-out, more choice on the shelf, and more money in people’s pockets.
“It is good for British fishers and farmers, who face less red tape selling our world-class produce into a crucial market.”
Earlier this week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds met with EU commissioners in No11 Downing Street to discuss the prospective agreement.
A government spokesperson said: “A food and drink deal could deliver up to £5.1 billion a year for the UK economy.
“It will slash red tape, cut costs and delays at the border, and lift barriers on a wider range of UK exports to the EU — supporting farmers, producers and businesses across the UK.
“The UK and EU are clear that there will be some exceptions which we're negotiating now. We won't provide a running commentary on those talks.
"We’re also working closely with businesses to understand their requirements and support them to benefit as soon as the new arrangements are in place.”