PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
European Food Safety Authority (26 January 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the Government's policy is on remaining a member of the European Food Safety Authority after the UK leaves the EU; and whether the Government plans to maintain adherence to the standards of that authority after the UK leaves the EU.

Asked by:
Ian Murray (Labour)

The UK is known for its world-leading reputation of quality and standards. Exiting the European Union provides us with the opportunity to build on this world-leading reputation.

As the White Paper (The United Kingdom’s exit from and new partnership with the European Union) states, there are a number of EU agencies, such as the European Food Safety Agency, which have been established to support EU Member States and their citizens. These can be responsible for enforcing particular regulatory regimes, or for pooling knowledge and information sharing. As part of exit negotiations, the Government will discuss with the EU and Member States our future status and arrangements with regard to these agencies. It would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the negotiations.

Answered by:
Mr Robin Walker (Conservative)
3 February 2017