Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it the policy of the Government to promote the substitution of cane sugar for beet sugar on environmental grounds; and if he will make a statement.

Now that we have left the EU we are looking to deliver the greatest possible benefit for both the UK cane refining sector and the UK beet sector. As the UK has a sugar deficit it is important that a diversity of supply is available. Having at least two sources of sugar is important for competitiveness and food security.

The UK Government's approach seeks to balance strategic trade objectives, such as the delivery of the UK's trade ambitions and FTA trade agenda, whilst maintaining the Government's commitment to developing countries to reduce poverty through trade. The Government is committed to making sure that any future trade agreements work for consumers, farmers and businesses across the UK and ensuring that we will not compromise on our high environmental protection.