Exiting the European Union (Agriculture)

Moved to discuss the draft Common Organisation of the Markets in Agricultural Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

Asked about periods for bringing systems online, engagement with businesses affected by regulations, adequacy of training for inspectors, enforcement of poultry meat marketing standards, consultations with organic certifiers group, designation changes to 'United Kingdom' to 'Great Britain', border post inspections between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, lessons learned from previous SI considerations, impact assessment phrasing, trade deals scrutiny, and importance of high-quality food standards.

Sought assurance that there is nothing in the regulations preventing Scottish produce from being identified as such in the export process, either now or in the future. Mentioned discussions between UK Government and Scottish Government and their consent for the instruments.

Ms Prentis addressed concerns about the possibility of chlorine-washed chicken entering the UK food chain, clarifying that this would not happen without a vote by the House. She acknowledged issues with previous explanations regarding poultry meat standards and assured Members that the Government remains committed to high standards. She explained the difference in transition periods for poultry meat (12 months) and fruit and vegetables (two years), emphasising practical reasons such as upgrading IT systems and recruiting inspectors. On Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors, she stated they are specialist staff with the appropriate calibre and numbers are being increased. Regarding border control posts, she mentioned an expansion following the Northern Ireland protocol and ongoing communication with devolved Administrations on statutory instruments. She also discussed plans for using terms like GB, UK, and UK(NI) post-Brexit and the importance of aligning marketing standards for a functioning internal market. Finally, she noted corrections made in the rush to prepare for exit day last year and commended the statutory instruments for ensuring retained EU legislation remains operable.