Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

Debate between Lord Jack of Courance and Baroness Jones of Whitchurch

Thursday 4th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

My Lords, we remain committed to our high agriculture and food standards. As the Trade and Agriculture Commission report has confirmed, all food and drink products imported into the UK will still have to meet our existing import, food safety and biosecurity requirements. We have not lowered our standards to join the CPTPP. For example, hormone-treated beef and ractopamine—I knew I would fall when attempting to pronounce that—pork remain banned in the UK, as will other products affected by pesticides. We will maintain our existing food standards.

[Lord Jack of Courance (Con)]

My Lords—

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[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

My Lords, these issues are, as ever, discussed at the CPTPP ministerial meetings. We have assured all those partners that we will maintain our existing agricultural standards, as I have confirmed.

[Lord Jack of Courance (Con)]

My Lords, our membership of CPTPP is facilitated by our ownership of the Pitcairn Islands. Can the noble Baroness confirm that the Government are not planning to give that island away as well?

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

The answer to that is no.