Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement

Wednesday 4 March 2026 · 3 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

  • Ben Lake asked about discussions on the impact of a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement on Welsh farmers.
  • The Minister acknowledged the important research at Aberystwyth University on the BCG vaccine for controlling tuberculosis in cattle.
  • Alex Barros-Curtis inquired about future trade agreements that will benefit constituents in accessing various markets.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Wales Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from the need to understand the potential effects of the UK-EU SPS agreement on Welsh agriculture.

Question

What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement on Welsh farmers?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

The Secretary of State and I are working closely with Cabinet Office colleagues to ensure that Welsh farmers benefit from reduced costs and bureaucracy when exporting their produce to the EU.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific details on the discussions or outcomes.

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Q2 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Brexit Science & Technology Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question stems from the research by Dr Amanda Gibson and her team at Aberystwyth University, which could impact the UK's SPS negotiations with the EU.

Question

Dr Amanda Gibson and her team of scientists at Aberystwyth University are leading research into how the BCG vaccine might be used to help control tuberculosis in cattle. I know the Minister will agree that this is essential work, but can she help ensure that their research is also considered as part of the UK's negotiations with the EU, so that we do not have to make a choice between animal health and exports?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

I was at Aberystwyth University just a few weeks ago. Scientists there are doing some excellent work, and it is fantastic that they are leading the way on a vaccine for TB in cattle. I know how devastating the impact of TB can be on farms and cattle. We have begun negotiations with the EU on an SPS agreement. The hon. Gentleman would not expect me to comment on those negotiations, but I will raise his question and these issues with the relevant colleagues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids specifics on how the research will be considered in negotiations.

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Q3 Alex Barros-Curtis Lab Cardiff West
Economy Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the recent trade deals with the EU, UK, India, and South Korea, which have provided benefits to constituents.

Question

Our recent trade deals with the EU, UK, India and South Korea will reduce bureaucracy while giving significant benefits to our constituents in accessing these markets. Can the Minister outline what other agreements we will benefit from in the near future?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

Our trade strategy is prioritising deals that deliver real impact for businesses right across Wales and the rest of the country. That is possible only because this Labour Government have achieved economic stability and repaired our reputation on the world stage after the Tories made a complete mockery of it.

Not addressed: The answer does not outline future agreements, instead focusing on the government's trade strategy.

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