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

Early day motion 1438, tabled 2 February 2021 by Jonathan Edwards (Independent). Signed by 9 members.

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.

Signatures by party: Plaid Cymru 3, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Independent 1, Labour 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Scottish National Party 1.