Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether the British Embassy in Beijing has held recent discussions with their Chinese counterparts on the reinstatement of export licences to (a) Cranswick abattoir in Watton, Norfolk, and (b) Pilgrim’s UK abattoir in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The UK Government believes that a positive trade and investment relationship with China is beneficial for both countries, where it is consistent with our values and national security. UK agri-food exports are an important part of our overall trading relationship with China, but we are aware of the challenges that some businesses have faced in recent years. Ministers have raised UK pork exports in recent senior level engagement with their Chinese counterparts, and our Embassy in Beijing continues to push the Chinese authorities for a swift resolution.