Extract from Scottish Parliament question time: Food Labelling - Jan 24

Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con)

The “not for EU” label will support retailers and supermarkets to move food and drink products between Great Britain and Northern Ireland as smoothly as possible. It means that suppliers will not have to establish different production lines to be able to sell those goods in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ensuring that those products stay on the shelves and that consumer choice is maintained.

Cabinet secretary, despite the grievance that you talked about, will you welcome the move, which is good for shoppers and farmers?

The Deputy Presiding Officer

Speak through the chair, please.

Gillian Martin

I thank Rachael Hamilton for that party political broadcast—and, indeed, for the promotion that she gave me there.

I will quote back to her Balwinder Dhoot, director of sustainability and growth at the Food and Drink Federation, who said:

“Our members are really clear that the Government’s plan to extend ‘not for EU’ product labelling on a UK-wide basis will hamper growth, hitting investment, exports and jobs while increasing consumer prices and restricting the choice of products.”

That is the sector speaking—not me.