We are extremely lucky in our area to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside anywhere in the world. Much of that is thanks to our farmers who are the custodians of the land around us. Some of you have written to me, including those who signed the open letter, regarding your concerns for the future of our food and animal welfare standards as we leave the EU and look to develop trading relationships with the wider world.
From my regular visits and meetings with local farmers, growers, and bodies such as the West Sussex Growers Association and National Farmers Union, I know we harvest and rear some of the best quality produce and maintain the highest animal welfare standards globally. I passionately believe we must fight to improve these and under no circumstance undermine them.
The conservative manifesto we stood on was clear that in all trade negotiations our high environmental protection, animal welfare, and food standards will not be compromised. The Government has reaffirmed this commitment and I have been reassured by my colleagues that we will stand firm in trade negotiations to ensure any deals live up to the values of our farmers and consumers.
All food coming into this country will be required to meet existing import requirements. The EU Withdrawal Act transfers all existing EU food safety provisions, including existing import requirements, into UK law. Furthermore, any changes to existing food safety legislation would require new legislation to be brought before Parliament.
We’ve also established the Trade and Agriculture Commission which will ensure that the voices of the public and industry are heard and that their interests are advanced and protected. Beyond this, the Agriculture Bill sets out the framework for how our domestic farming policy will develop towards paying farmers public money for public goods including environmental protection, access to the countryside, and work to reduce flooding. We will take the opportunity to use public money to reward environmentally responsible land use, as well as maintaining and enhancing high standards of animal welfare.
I will continue to work closely with local farmers and growers to ensure their needs are represented at the highest levels of Government and personally stand by our commitment to food and welfare standards.
Lastly, with all that’s going on in the world with Covid-19 and our leaving the EU, to name just two… I am regularly updating my website with my lastest responses, news and information so please visit, www.gilliankeegan.com
