Trade and Agriculture Commission: Role in International Trade Deals — [Hannah Bardell in the Chair]

Suggested that the agreement with Australia sets a precedent, implying other countries would seek similar terms. Alistair Carmichael criticised the Government's approach to trade deals, arguing that they risk undermining years of investment in high animal welfare and environmental standards. He highlighted issues with Australian farming practices, such as growth hormones in beef production and battery cage use for poultry, which he stated are inconsistent with British standards. Carmichael also warned about the potential economic impact on rural communities if these standards were lowered.

Agreed with much of the previous speaker's points but argued that negotiators have the power to set different conditions for each trade deal, using Mexico as an example. Mangnall intervened, clarifying that agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary measures ensure hormone-injected beef will not be imported into the country, stating it is misleading to suggest otherwise. Mr Mangnall thanked his fellow Devon MP for securing the debate, emphasizing the need for the Government to respond to commissioned reports. He rebutted a previous speaker's claim that trade deals override domestic legislation and highlighted the unique nature of each trade deal signed by the UK. He suggested his hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton as suitable for the agrifood Minister role, noting the current Minister's work with farmers in Devon. Mr Mangnall discussed existing efforts to promote British exports through embassies and the GREAT campaign, while also acknowledging the need for further action.

Mr Esterson highlighted concerns over the proposed Australia trade deal, which he argued would undercut UK farming and allow imports produced under poor welfare standards. He criticised the Government for watering down the role of the Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC), stating that its current remit is inadequate in ensuring high animal welfare standards are maintained. He also questioned why the TAC had not been established permanently with a clear chair and members, and challenged the sincerity behind setting up such a commission.

The right hon. Gentleman makes a good point but suggests we have only an agreement in principle with Australia and that the new Trade and Agriculture Commission needs to be established before proceeding further.

Condemned the Government's failure to establish a Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) as promised, highlighting the lack of independent scrutiny in trade deals. Criticised the temporary TAC's limited power and membership, including Shanker Singham, who supports controversial food standards from the US. Questioned the integrity of potential new commission members like Lord Hannan and Tony Abbott. Noted that industry and Parliament were misled by promises of a TAC to avoid defeats in debates. Highlighted the lack of say for devolved Administrations in trade deals.

Farming is crucial to Brecon and Radnorshire, with agriculture accounting for 48% of the area. The MP supports the creation of a Trade and Agriculture Commission and wants Welsh representation on it. She criticized another member's complaints about the Government and urged both UK and Welsh Governments to collaborate closely. She emphasized that farmers want their voices heard and suggested that practical farmers should represent the commission.

The Government's refusal to include welfare and other standards in the Trade Bill is concerning, with the Trade and Agriculture Commission's recommendations remaining unaddressed for over 22 weeks. There are fears that the Government is急于求成签署贸易协议，不顾福利和工业影响。澳大利亚的动物福利标准显著低于英国，存在过度放牧、长途运输等问题，而且难以信任其改善承诺。此外，由于政府正在同意关税和配额系统，并削减农民补贴，导致农场现金流问题严重。2022年的进口限额是2020年允许量的四倍，这对本地农业构成了巨大威胁。因此，需要确保贸易与农业委员会提供正确的建议，避免在最后时刻面对要么接受协议要么没有协议的局面。

Ms McCarthy criticised the Government for failing to enshrine environmental and welfare standards in law, questioning the purpose of the Trade and Agriculture Commission. She highlighted recommendations from the National Food Strategy calling for independent reports on proposed trade agreements' impacts, minimum standards for imported food, and mechanisms to protect these standards.

Welcomed the possibility of a mutually beneficial trade deal with Australia but emphasised that it must not disadvantage UK farmers or compromise animal welfare. Called for urgent parliamentary scrutiny, including the option to amend and potentially block deals.

The speaker expressed concern over the current form of the Trade and Agriculture Commission, fearing it lacks the authority to address uncertainties within the agriculture sector regarding future international trade deals. He highlighted specific concerns about discrepancies in animal health standards and environmental protection between the UK and potential trading partners, such as the US, Canada, and Brazil. Robbie Moore also emphasised the importance of the commission's ability to scrutinise deals effectively and ensure that our domestic farming sector is not at a disadvantage compared to foreign markets.

Devon的农业传统卓越，并且注重未来的发展。尽管存在挑战，但英国高环境、动物福利和食品安全标准不会被破坏。目前已经有贸易机会出现，例如向美国出口牛肉，预计五年内价值6600万英镑；向日本出口羊肉，预计五年内价值1.27亿英镑。虽然这些机遇明显，但也需要认真对待行业的关切，并支持贸易与农业委员会的工作，确保其得到法定地位和明确结构。同时强调核心标准和出口策略的重要性，保障消费者信心。

Tim Farron expressed concerns about the lack of Government response to the Trade and Agriculture Commission's recommendations. He criticised the mismatch between efforts on negotiating deals, such as with Australia, and inaction regarding the commission's suggestions. The speaker highlighted specific issues like the development of core standards for trade deals and improving impact assessments before agreements are signed. Farron also pointed out that the Government's actions towards environmental land payments will leave farmers dependent on a basic payment scheme without a proper replacement, undermining their livelihoods.