Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Protection of UK Food Standards

24 June 2020 · 9 other contributors

Opened by John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

BrexitAgriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

John Lamont raised concerns about protection of uk food standards in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • John Lamont highlights the importance of maintaining current food safety regulations during international trade negotiations.
  • The MP criticises misinformation regarding the UK's ability to enforce high welfare and environmental protection standards on imported goods.
  • The Minister reaffirms the Government's commitment to upholding high environmental protection, food safety, and animal welfare standards post-Brexit.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

In Scotland and across the UK, high-quality food production is a source of pride. The debate addresses concerns about potential threats to these standards post-Brexit, emphasising that no vote has occurred to reduce existing standards. John Lamont highlights several local businesses in his constituency producing top-tier products and stresses the importance of maintaining current food safety regulations during international trade negotiations. He criticises misinformation spread by some groups regarding UK's ability to enforce high welfare and environmental protection standards on imported goods. The MP underlines that no current trade agreement forces partners to adopt another country’s production rules, reiterating the government's commitment to upholding these standards post-Brexit.

Other contributors (9)
  • Andrew Bowie Con

    High domestic standards make Scottish products desirable internationally.

  • Deidre Brock SNP Glasgow North West

    Asks if imported food should meet the same high standards as UK production.

  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire

    Raises concern about misinformation suggesting a vote to lower food standards took place in Parliament.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Emphasises the importance of maintaining high quality across all parts of UK, including Northern Ireland.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Highlights that Highland food is known for its quality and advocates for continued high standards.

  • Patricia Gibson SNP North East Fife

    Raises concerns about the National Farmers Union’s stance on cheap imports flooding UK markets.

  • Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West

    Concerned about consumer fears over quality and cost of imported food.

  • Taiwo Owatemi Labour Co-op Coventry North East

    Asks if we should aim for the highest possible standards to protect those we enjoy in UK.

  • Douglas Ross Con Moray

    Supports Lamont's view that tonight’s debate sets the record straight about no vote lowering animal welfare standards.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis

The Minister reaffirms the Government’s commitment to upholding high environmental protection, food safety, and animal welfare standards post-Brexit. The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 will transfer all existing EU food safety provisions onto UK statute book after transition period. This includes bans on artificial growth hormones in domestic and imported products and prohibits non-water decontaminants for poultry carcases. Transparency is key, with trade negotiations subject to scrutiny procedures laid out under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. The Government will continue work closely with stakeholders across food chain to understand concerns about new trade deals' impacts while seizing opportunities presented by being an independent trading nation.

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