Secret US-UK trade talks spark fears about food standards

Undermine

“It is critical that any future trade deals do not allow food imports produced to lower standards to undermine the high standards British farmers produce to and the British people expect.

“While it is no surprise preliminary discussions between the UK and US Governments on a future trade deal are underway, it is critical the UK Government engages extensively with the farming industry as talks progress to ensure the terms of any future deal do not damage our vital and valued domestic agricultural sector.”

Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) president Glyn Roberts said sharing experiences and information with American colleagues was vital to establish export markets, but warned Welsh produce would continue to need protection from imitation.

Accurate

He also called for better and more accurate food labelling.

A DIT spokesman said: “The DIT has been completely open about trade talks with the US and has made sure information handling agreements will not alter the department’s method of consulting widely on our approach to the talks.

“Only last month we also issued a public readout of topics discussed in the latest meeting of the UK-US Trade Working Group, and held a stakeholder update meeting.

“To support productive discussions, the Working Group needs to exchange some information in confidence, and these arrangements strictly adhere to Cabinet Office guidance on international exchanges of classified information.”