Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade Policies: Cost of Food

Thursday 14 September 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Food prices are influenced by global economic pressures and not solely by trade policies.
  • The Government plans to implement a 43 inspection fee on each consignment of food imported from the EU.
  • SPS checks on food coming from the EU were not in place when the UK was an EU member.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Economy Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP raises concerns over the impact of recent trade policies, specifically a £43 inspection fee per consignment from the EU. The issue is affecting food retailers and restaurants in Glasgow North.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the impact of trade policies on food costs? Will the Government's plans for a £43 inspection fee on each consignment of food imported from the European Union represent barrier-free trade? When or whether will small food retailers, restaurants and their customers in Glasgow North have to pay this Brexit tax and face higher prices?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

Food prices are driven by many pressures, including the global economic climate. Our programme of free trade agreements is securing access to global supply chains, removing barriers and lowering costs for traders. By delivering trade deals and working with international partners, we are ensuring that British consumers have access to good-quality and good-value food.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific £43 inspection fee was not addressed in detail

How: Did Not Specify Which Issue, Fundamentally Sits At The Doorstep Of Other Departments

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Economy Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP asks about a £43 inspection fee on each consignment of food imported from the European Union. This is causing concern among small retailers and restaurants in Glasgow North.

Question

Will the Minister explain how the Government's plans for a £43 inspection fee on each consignment of food imported from the European Union represent barrier-free trade? Can she tell small food retailers, restaurants and their customers in Glasgow North when or whether they will have to pay this Brexit tax and face higher prices?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I know the hon. Member wants to put all these anxieties on Brexit and forget about all the opportunities we are securing with trade agreements around the world. The issue he raises fundamentally sits at the doorstep of the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and we are working very closely with them to resolve it.

Not addressed: The specific inspection fee was not addressed, responsibility is shifted to other departments

How: Fundamentally Sits At The Doorstep Of Other Departments, Working Closely To Resolve

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Q3 Richard Thomson
Immigration Business & Trade Environment
Context

The MP discusses uncertainty regarding border checks for imported food from the EU, highlighting delays and lack of clarity over SPS controls. Businesses are concerned about these changes.

Question

Given that Ministers were saying as recently as April that those checks will begin on 31 March, can the Minister explain how businesses are expected to get to grips with all this turmoil in Government policy given their tendency to keep kicking the can down the road over border checks?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

Food inflation is a global issue: it is not a problem just here in the UK. Many factors influence food prices globally, notably energy costs. Global wholesale food prices have been falling since March and sometimes that can take time to reach consumers. In July, UK food inflation was just over 14%, down from 17%. The hon. Gentleman did not specify which issue he was touching on, but if it was to do with sanitary and phytosanitary controls for goods from the EU, that will be introduced and in place by 31 January 2024.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline of checks was not clearly addressed

How: Did Not Specify Which Issue, Will Be Introduced And In Place

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Q4 Richard Thomson
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP criticises the lack of SPS checks on food coming from the EU, questioning the Government's claim to 'taking back control'. This is causing concerns about food safety and security.

Question

We are no longer imposing SPS checks on food coming in from the EU. Is the Minister proud that, under the guise of taking back control, she is part of a Government who have given away control instead?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I referenced in my previous response the SPS controls; they were not in place when we were in the EU so I am not sure exactly what the hon. Gentleman's anxiety is.

Not addressed: The lack of SPS controls was not addressed directly, instead referring to past status

How: Referring To Previous Response, Were Not In Place When We Were In The Eu

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