Brian Whittle MSP has welcomed the commitment from the UK Government that the highest standards of food and animal welfare will be maintained in any future trade deals.
The South Scotland MSP’s comments come as the UK’s International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss MP, promised the creation of a new Trade an Agriculture Commission and confirmed that the UK would not make any concessions on food or animal welfare standards in post-Brexit trade deals.
The National Farmers Union, who had previously called for the creation of a commission, also welcomed the announcement.
In a letter to the NFU’s UK President Minette Batters, Liz Truss said, “I wholeheartedly agree that any trade deal the UK strikes must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers and must not compromise our high standards of food safety and animal welfare.”
Brian, who often praises Scotland’s food and drink industry as part of his campaign to improve school meals, said he hoped the announcement would put an end to allegations that the UK Government wouldn’t protect the interests of Scotland’s food producers.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“This is a welcome announcement from the UK Government and makes it clear that they are committed to the highest possible food standards and animal welfare standards in our future trade deals.
As someone who wants Scotland’s food producers to have more opportunities to sell their goods, both here at home and across the world, I hope this confirmation from the UK Government will reassure Scotland’s farmers and food producers that their interests are at the heart of future trade deals.
The scaremongering allegations that some politicians have made about the UK Government’s intentions when it comes to food standards have been deeply disappointing and caused unnecessary concern for Scotland’s farmers.
Scotland’s food and animal welfare standards are some of the best in the world and those standards have helped build our global reputation for food and drink.
I want Scotland to make the most of our future trade deals and maintain our reputation for quality and excellence. This commitment by the UK Government will help us do just that.”
