English We are in the last couple of months for the Agriculture and Trade Bills and we need MPs to vote for amendments that would mean imported foods would have to meet UK food, animal welfare and environmental standards. Anything less would undermine UK farmers – this film shows what’s at stake.
A few weeks ago, the House of Lords voted to accept Amendments to the Agriculture which prevent the import of food which falls below British Standards into the UK. (see Amendment 93 here), and we need to act to stop this Amendment being removed. We also want stronger climate and public health amendments supported.
These Amendments are due to be voted on in the “ping pong stage” of the Agriculture Bill in the House of Commons on October 12. George Eustice has indicated that Government will not accept these changes.
Therefore we need to mobilise – specifically targeting Conservative MP’s who are likely to rebel against the Government whip on this issue. We will not keep this vital safeguard unless we encourage enough rebel Tories to support us.
What can you do?
Write to your MP using the template letter here. We need MPs to hear from you, your family and friends as the Agricultural Bill goes to the Commons and as the Trade Bill is finalised. Otherwise these critical changes may be voted out
If you have a Conservative MP who is likely to be supportive, please arrange a meeting with them to talk to them personally about the issue. You can also send them a video or write an article for the local press. This issue is critical to protecting our farmers, our environment, our food standards and our animal welfare standards.
We are asking MP’s to support are Clause 35 and New Clause after Clause 42 on food standards (the renamed Amendment 93): these amendments states the “requirement for agricultural and food imports to meet domestic standards”. This will ensure that British food and farming standards are protected within trade deals, including animal health and welfare, protection of the environment, food safety, hygiene and traceability, and plant health.
MP’s should support these amendments because:
o They require the Secretary of State to obtain Parliamentary approval of the process with which standards are determined, something not currently available despite the new International Trade Committee and the Trade and Agriculture Commission which are only advisory.
o These Amendments have the clear backing of almost every farmers organisation, environmental organisation, animal welfare advocates and the British people, as evidenced in a number of public opinion polls over recent months.
o The legality of the amendment is not in doubt – the WTO provides a baseline for settling trade disputes in the absence of a bilateral or multilateral trade agreement. A trade deal agreed by two or more countries sets new rules and the UK government could use these to agree bespoke approaches to regulating imports as outlined in the amendment. Much depends on the will of a government to protect those standards.
Whilst we support the intention of the amendment New Clause on the Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) which strengthens the TAC in its ability to make recommendations on safeguarding British food and farming standards in trade negotiations, it needs amending to widen its membership. The Landworkers’ Alliance, along with other members of the Future British Standards Commission wants to see the membership of TAC strengthened so that it better represent the broader food, farming, environment, public health, and animal welfare interests with an Amendment as below:
Trade, Food and Farming Standards Commission (The “TSC”)
Membership
1 (1) The TSC is to consist of—
(a) a Chair appointed by the Secretary of State; and
(b) other members appointed by the Chair, in consultation with the Secretary of State.
(2) The following groups must be represented through the membership of the TSC: –
a) the farming sector;
b) relevant government departments;
c) representatives of the devolved administrations;
d) experts on trade, the environment, animal welfare and the agri-food industry;
e) consumer and public health groups;
f) environmental organisations;
g) animal welfare organisations
h) farm assurance and certification bodies,
i) other representatives of civil society; and
j) other representatives of the food industry
If we do not achieve this amendment, we are concerned that we will end up with a very ineffective commission. Please encourage your MP to sponsor or support an amendment to this effect – let us know if your MP is up for it!
