Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade Policies: Farmers

Thursday 15 April 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Craig Williams asked about the potential impact of trade policies on UK farmers and the Minister responded that the government aims to help farmers export to fast-growing markets through the Open Doors campaign.
  • Welsh farmers export 144 million of lamb and beef worldwide, with the US market now open for beef and Japan for lamb, according to the Minister's response.
  • Emily Thornberry inquired about the government's intention to publish core standards as called for by the commission, to which the Minister agreed with the report produced by Tim Smith's team and stated they will respond in due course.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Craig Williams Con
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns about the impact of trade policies on UK farmers. It highlights the need for support in exporting goods and capitalizing on international markets.

Question

I am concerned about the potential effect of my Department's trade policies on UK farmers. What recent assessment has she made regarding this?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We want to sell more British food around the world and help farmers make the most of our trade deals with 66 nations, plus the EU. We launched the Open Doors campaign to assist farmers in exporting to fast-growing markets.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of impact on UK farmers

How: Help Farmers Make The Most Of Our Trade Deals

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Q2 Craig Williams Con
Wales Business & Trade
Context

There is significant interest in expanding export opportunities for Welsh lamb and beef, particularly with Japan and the United States. The question seeks updates on these markets.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend build on the success of FTAs, especially with Japan, to open up more markets for Welsh lamb and beef? Can she update us on progress in the US and Japan?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Welsh farmers export £144 million of lamb and beef worldwide. The US market has opened for beef, and Japan for lamb, boosting figures further. Last month, I visited Kepak, which ships beef from Welsh farms to the US.

Answered
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Q3 Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The Trade and Agriculture Commission has published a final report recommending core standards for UK's minimum requirements in tariff reductions concerning food safety, the environment, and animal welfare.

Question

Can I start by asking her when the Government intend to publish the core set of standards that the commission has called for?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I agree with the report produced by Tim Smith's team, which outlines the future for British agricultural trade. We will respond to the report in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Publication date of core standards

How: We Will Be Responding To The Report

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Q4 Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

There are upcoming trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand, and it is crucial to judge these against the core set of standards recommended by the Trade and Agriculture Commission.

Question

Can I ask her to make it clear today that there will be no proposed reduction in tariffs for any agricultural products not meeting Britain's core standards?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

For every free trade agreement, the Trade and Agriculture Commission will produce a report on issues outlined. Our partners in Australia and New Zealand maintain high standards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Clear commitment to no tariff reduction for non-compliant products

How: For Every Free Trade Agreement, The Trade And Agriculture Commission Will Produce A Report

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