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Written question asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour) on Thursday, 17 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 December 2016. It was answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 November 2016 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Agriculture: Migrant Workers

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment has been made of the potential impact on agriculture and food production if strict limits on migration are imposed following withdrawal from the EU.

Answer

Supporting our farmers and protecting the environment will form an important part of our exit from the EU. We are now focused on making sure that all our policies are delivering for the UK and to grow our world-leading food and farming industry. I am looking forward to working with industry and the public to develop new proposals that support our agricultural and horticultural industries as we leave the EU.

With regard to labour from European nationals, until we leave the EU, there are no changes to labour movements. Defra is very aware that migrant workers from other EU countries will be one of the complex issues that will have to be resolved as part of our exit negotiation and future relationship with the EU. We are currently working with colleagues across government to analyse potential impacts and explore options.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3319
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Agriculture Immigration controls Food EU nationals Production Migrant workers Brexit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk