Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Exiting the European Union (Agriculture)

10 November 2020 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

Northern IrelandBrexitAgriculture & Rural Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Edward Argar raised concerns about exiting the european union (agriculture) in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The draft regulations correct typographical errors and implement changes for the Northern Ireland protocol.
  • Public consultation was held with majority support from stakeholders and engagement with devolved Administrations.
  • The minister addressed technical points and concerns raised by MPs regarding consultation robustness and transparency.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

The draft regulations concern food and feed laws made under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 to ensure high standards of safety and consumer protection post-Brexit. The amendments correct typographical errors, implement changes for the Northern Ireland protocol, and remedy deficiencies in retained EU law without impacting businesses or introducing new regulatory burdens. Public consultation has been held, with majority support from stakeholders and engagement with devolved Administrations.

Other contributors (4)
  • Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

    The draft regulations ensure the continuity of high food safety standards post-Brexit by amending EU-specific references, transferring powers to UK authorities, and implementing the Northern Ireland protocol. The amendments do not change day-to-day business operations or introduce new regulatory burdens but maintain operability and enforceability of statutes.

  • Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

    Acknowledged the Minister's introduction but expressed concerns about the recent drop-off in public consultation responses for food safety regulations. He questioned the robustness of the consultation process, transparency regarding mixed comments, and the readiness of local authorities to implement new requirements.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Expressed gratitude towards the Minister for confirming ministerial contact with Northern Ireland. He raised a technical point about the language used in the regulations which suggested that Northern Ireland was outside the UK, and sought reassurance on this matter.

  • Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

    Responded to queries from the Labour MP Justin Madders about the consultation process. He affirmed confidence in local councils' capacity to implement regulations and assured DUP's Jim Shannon that Northern Ireland remains an integral part of the UK despite legal wording used.

Government Response

Government Minister

Responded to technical points raised by Labour MP Justin Madders regarding consultation robustness, local authority capacity, and transparency. He also addressed a concern from DUP's Jim Shannon about the language used in the regulations concerning Northern Ireland’s status within the UK.

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