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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has had discussions with exporters on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements when trading with the European Union.

Defra has engaged closely with industry, including exporters, to understand the barriers faced when trading with the EU. Business groups broadly welcomed the announcement in May of the UK and EU’s commitment to work towards an SPS agreement. Defra will continue to engage with industry as we negotiate the agreement with the EU.

It is a priority for this government to deliver clear and timely information, and we recognise the need to support exporters to adapt to new trading arrangements. Defra is taking steps to support industry through the process and communicate forthcoming changes to businesses throughout 2026 to assist business readiness preparations.