UK-US Free Trade Agreement 2020-06-18
2020-06-18
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Q1
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Context
Negotiations between the UK and US have commenced for a free trade agreement, but concerns remain about potential divergence from EU regulations on food standards.
The Government has repeatedly promised this House and the British public that they are committed to non-regression on food standards. However, there is great concern over certain practices in the US that are banned in the UK, such as the widespread use of antibiotics for growth in animals. As negotiations with the US progress, does the Secretary of State accept it is time to enshrine the commitment to non-regression on food standards into law?
These food standards are already protected under British law as part of the EU withdrawal agreement. We will not negotiate these aspects with the US or any other trading partner.
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