Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 23 May 2019 to Question 256264, when negotiating a trade agreement with the US Administration if he will ensure that the UK is able to decline to import food produced to lower animal welfare and food safety standards than those of the UK.

The Government has made it clear that any future trade deal with the US must work for UK consumers, farmers and food manufacturers as well as protecting the UK’s high standards of food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection.

Maintaining safety and public confidence in the food we eat is of the highest priority. Without exception, imports must meet all the relevant UK product rules and regulations. The EU Withdrawal Act will transfer onto the UK statute book all current EU food safety and animal welfare standards.