PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Agriculture: Trade Agreements (8 December 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on agricultural trade with the EU of the UK not having a trade agreement with the EU when the UK leaves the EU.

Asked by:
Anna McMorrin (Labour)

As part of our work preparing to make a success of our departure from the European Union, we are carrying out a broad range of sectoral analysis, as you would expect a responsible Government to do. Our sector report on Agriculture covers: a detailed description of the sector; the current EU regulatory regime and a summary of sector views. The report has been made available for members of both Houses to read in a secure reading room.

The Government’s Agriculture Bill will enable us to support a thriving and self-reliant farming sector that is more competitive, productive and profitable; to protect our precious natural environment for future generations; and to deliver on the manifesto commitment to provide stability for farmers as we exit the EU.

We are committed to getting the best possible deal for the United Kingdom - a deal that works for all sectors of the UK economy. We believe that a future partnership deal is in the interests of both sides, so we approach these negotiations anticipating success. We do not want or expect an outcome where no trade agreement is agreed.

Answered by:
Mr Robin Walker (Conservative)
18 December 2017