The House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee have
launched an inquiry into the impact of Brexit on the price, and
availability, of food for UK consumers. This decision follows a
roundtable discussion with industry experts, held earlier today,
who expressed great concerns on this issue.
Thirty per cent of food consumed in the UK comes from
the EU, including over 83 per cent of its fresh vegetables and 40
per cent of its fresh fruit. During the session, concerns were
raised about the impact that post-Brexit trade tariffs would have
on food prices, that the additional customs and borders checks
could result in food being held up in ports, and that a desire to
avoid food price rises could lead to the UK importing food of a
lower standard.
During the session, Ian Wright CBE, Director of the
Food and Drink Federation, said: “The answer to the exam question
‘could Brexit have an impact on the availability and/ or the
price of food in the UK’ is yes. And indeed it is not just yes.
It will; that is what is going to happen”.
Andrew Opie, the Director of Food and Sustainability
at the British Retail Consortium, explained why it was so
important to resolve the industries concerns about the potential
impact of Brexit: “The first people to be hit by the consequences
of Brexit will be food shoppers”.
Speaking on the launch of the inquiry
Chairman of the Committee, Lords Teverson
said:
“There were lots of strong views from our witnesses
and a real feeling amongst them that prices are going to rise
post-Brexit if we don’t get a trade deal agreed. There were also
questions as to whether the UK will be able to maintain the food
standards and quality that consumers want, and if we can actually
get the food through the ports will all the new customs
facilities which will be in place.
"With so many unanswered questions, the Committee
have decided to examine this matter because it is vital to the
UK’s future.”
Notes to
Editors
-
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee held a
roundtable discussion with industry experts on Wednesday 7
February. Members heard from:
-
Walter J Anzer, British Food Importers &
Distributors Association
-
Professor Tim Benton, University of
Leeds
-
Sue Davies, Which?
-
Terry Jones, NFU
-
Professor Tim Lang, City University London’s Centre
for Food Policy
-
Andrew Opie, British Retail
Consortium
-
Ian Wright CBE, Food and Drink
Federation
