Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Prices

Thursday 29 June 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial trade policies aim to improve food security by removing market access barriers.
  • Food price inflation is a global issue, not specific to the UK.
  • Ongoing discussions include the possibility of a veterinary agreement to reduce costs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martyn Day SNP
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of government's trade policies on food prices and availability.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Department's trade policies on food prices?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We recognise the important role that trade can play in improving food security. Our free trade agreements help to remove market access barriers, supporting our importers and exporters. The new developing countries trading scheme reduces tariffs on nearly £1.4 billion-worth of agriculture goods.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific assessment or impact analysis requested

How: We Recognise The Important Role That Trade Can Play In Improving Food Security.

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Q2 Martyn Day SNP
Brexit Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP references a director's statement about the need to increase access to affordable, nutritious food.

Question

Melissa Leach from the Institute of Development Studies spoke about the need to increase access to affordable, nutritious food. Does the Minister accept that his Government's commitment to Brexit has led to increasing prices of imported food and contributed to food poverty?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Food price inflation is a global phenomenon, not unique to the UK. However, we have provided more than £94 billion-worth of support precisely to help the most vulnerable in society.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not accept the impact of Brexit on food prices and poverty as suggested by the questioner

How: Food Price Inflation Is A Global Phenomenon

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Q3 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP acknowledges various factors impacting food inflation but focuses on the importance of getting new trade deals.

Question

What is the most important thing that the Minister's Department can do to shore up British agriculture and have a positive impact on food prices?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

My hon. Friend is correct. It is important that we have support across the House for these important trade deals, which are good for British farmers and consumers. We hope to see Opposition parties supporting such deals in future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on carrying out new trade deals as requested

How: We Hope To See Opposition Parties Supporting Such Deals In Future.

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Q4 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlights rising food prices and mentions significant business support for a veterinary agreement.

Question

Why will the Secretary of State not take the sensible step of starting negotiations for a veterinary agreement to reduce costs?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Discussions are ongoing about the trade and co-operation agreement, including dialogue with our EU partners. Since leaving the EU, we have reduced tariffs significantly in the best interests of British consumers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny negotiations for a veterinary agreement as requested

How: Discussions Are Ongoing About The Trade And Co-Operation Agreement

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