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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Agricultural Products: UK Trade with EU

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether UK standards on pesticides and animal welfare could diverge from EU rules under the proposed SPS framework.

Answer

The Government is currently negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and regulatory barriers for British producers and retailers.

Under the UK‑EU Common Understanding, it is recognised that there will be areas where the UK will retain its own rules. The details of this are subject to negotiation, but the Government has been clear about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3199
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Animal welfare Pesticides Standards Agricultural products UK trade with EU
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk