Skip to main content

Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Friday, 19 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Biotechnology

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect UK sovereign innovation on gene editing in (a) current and (b) future trade deal discussions.

Answer

Defra has been clear, including in initial SPS agreement discussions with the EU, on the importance of supporting the use of new and innovative technologies such as precision breeding. Defra remains committed to the Precision Breeding Act 2023, and the secondary legislation needed to implement the Act for plants is due to commence in November 2025.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
70720
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Biotechnology Trade agreements
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk