Act now, PM, to protect family farms from cheap imports – The Yorkshire Post says

TWENTY years after farmers led nationwide protests with hauliers over fuel prices, and brought the country to a virtual standstill within a matter of days, it will be advisable of Ministers to take note of renewed unrest and significance of Friday’s protest in Northallerton.
By YP Comment
Published 25th Sep 2020, 16:35 BST

It offered further evidence of the simmering unease which has the potential to reach boiling point unless the Government listens to farmers, peers and all those who are now fearful for UK agriculture’s future because of its obdurance over Brexit.

They believe that the Government’s trade deals with the USA, and other nations, will lead to Britain’s supermarkets being stocked with sub-standard produce – chlorinated chicken is an oft-quoted example – which would not meet the stringent welfare tests followed by UK farmers.

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And they’re unconvinced by the reassurances offered by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, hence why more than one million people signed a protest petition recently and why the House of Lords voted this week to amend the Agriculture Bill.

The Save British Farming protest in Northallerton.The Save British Farming protest in Northallerton.
The Save British Farming protest in Northallerton.

It wants Parliament to be provided with independent advice about the impact every trade deal will have on farming and food standards, so imported produce has to meet domestic standards, as well as an enhanced role for the Trade and Agriculture Commission.

Pragmatic proposals based on the collective expertise of the Lords, and peers like Baroness Anne McIntosh, there’s absolutely no reason why they should not find favour with Ministers and MPs in the Commons if – and that is the key word – the Government is serious about upholding standards. That’s the test.

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Farmers staged this protest in Northallerton.Farmers staged this protest in Northallerton.
Farmers staged this protest in Northallerton.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson

Related topics:Yorkshire PostGovernmentLiz TrussNorthallertonMPs

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