Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of free trade deals on farmers, particularly regarding animal welfare standards.
Question
What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of free trade deals on farmers? I worked with farmers for many years as a veterinary surgeon and now meet them regularly as an MP. Farmers in Hampshire and across the country were disappointed when previous Conservative Governments signed trade deals that undermined high animal welfare standards. Will steps be taken to ensure British farmers do not have to compete with products from lower welfare countries, such as battery hens or those involving excessive antibiotic use? The public is proud of our high standards.
Answer from Douglas Alexander
Our approach to free trade considers impact and opportunities for farmers. Impact assessments are published to aid ratification processes. The Government does not want to compromise on animal welfare standards in new agreements, although past negotiations might have been handled differently. Reopening past deals would create uncertainty harmful to UK business. Current monitoring shows no flood of Australian or New Zealand beef and lamb into the UK market.
Not addressed: Steps to ensure British farmers do not compete with lower welfare products were not specified.
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