CLA responds to future US-UK trade deal

The Department for International Trade has today launched a public consultation to inform the UK’s new independent global tariff policy.

Responding to the Trade Secretary’s speech on the future of UK-US trade, CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:

“The USA is a huge market and a Free Trade Agreement would give American consumers the ability to enjoy world class British food produced to the very best environmental and animal welfare standards.

“It is a myth that the UK only has high farming standards because of our membership of the EU; in fact the UK regularly led the charge for higher standards within Europe.  Our farmers grow some of the best produce in the world.  Food and drink businesses are well placed to capitalise on growing demand and new markets abroad.  They should be at the heart of our future trade talks.

“But if the US wants greater access to the UK market for its own produce, they must conform to our high standards.  Allowing food produced to low animal welfare and environmental standards to undercut UK farmers is unacceptable.

“The Government has repeatedly issued warm words in this regard – but it must go further and legislate to protect UK farmers in all future trade deals.”