Mutual equivalence and harmonisation protocols between UK and EU on food product standards

Motion Text

That this House acknowledges that the EU is by far the most important export market for the UK food sector; notes that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU has resulted in significant non-tariff barriers in relation to food exports; recognises that further costs, checks and delays are proving prohibitive to trade in food products; further notes that shellfish exports are likely to face an indefinite ban on products, decimating the industry; recognises for other food products such as dairy and meat, that the animal health certificates required for export can cost more than the value of the product being exported; understands that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement allows for continued trade related discussions; and calls on the UK Government to enter into negotiations on achieving a mutual equivalence agreement on food standards and protocols on future harmonisation in order to remove non-tariff barriers on food exports to the EU and between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.