Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 92306

Agricultural Products: UK Trade with EU

Tabled: 18 November 2025
Answered: 26 November 2025

Question

James Wild

ConservativeNorth West Norfolk

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to protect gene editing provisions in ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union.

Answer

Dame Angela Eagle

Under the UK-EU Common Understanding, it is recognised that there will be areas where the UK will retain its own rules. The scope and detail of those areas are now part of ongoing negotiations. Throughout this process, we have been clear on the importance of maintaining the UK’s ability to regulate precision breeding in a way that supports innovation, gives farmers access to new tools, and upholds high standards of safety.

We continue to engage closely with stakeholders and devolved administrations to ensure that our approach reflects the best available scientific advice and maintains the UK’s position as a world leader in Agri-tech.