Carmichael renews calls for engagement with farmers over UK-EU trade deal

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament renewed calls for ministers to engage with farmers and food producers over future trading relations with the EU. Intervening in a debate on UK meat exports to the EU, led by Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick, Mr Carmichael raised concerns about the lack of consultation by the government over a planned sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which is broadly supported in principle by UK food producers, but with concerns about potential unintended consequences.

Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“He’s absolutely right that an SPS agreement would be an enormous opportunity for communities like his and mine that export in the European Union, but even already, there are significant divergences between the UK and the EU.

“Does he agree with me that if that SPS agreement is to be negotiated, then it is absolutely essential that the Cabinet Office does so much more than they are doing at the moment to consult and to bring British agriculture along with them? Otherwise, that SPS agreement will be full of unintended consequences.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Carmichael added:

“Better trading relations with our closest neighbours absolutely should be the government’s priority. The past few years, however, show the harm that can be done to farmers and food producers when politicians see “getting a deal” as the goal, rather the actual results for our communities. Ministers must engage with those on the sharp end of our trading relations if we are to get the best possible deal.”