Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to ensure that the interests of the UK farming sector are taken into account in negotiations for a free trade agreement with Australia.
The Government is working to secure an ambitious free trade deal with Australia that benefits businesses across the UK.
Any deal signed with Australia will include protections for the agriculture industry and will not undercut UK farmers or compromise high standards. Tariffs for sensitive goods can be staged over time, with safeguards built in. Australian meat accounts for a very low proportion of total UK imports, and Australian meat imported into the UK is produced to high standards.
The Government keeps farmers and senior figures from across industry closely involved throughout all trade negotiations through the Trade Advisory Group (TAG). This allows closer engagement, so the Government better understands their views and the impact of each deal on the industry.
The Government will continue to work with the industry, keeping representatives involved throughout the process and helping the industry capture the full benefits of trade.