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

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the benefits of a veterinary agreement with the European Union against any adverse impact (1) with our other major trading partners, and (2) on the UK's regulatory reform potential.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra in conjunction with the Department for Business and Trade will work to reset the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties and tackle barriers to trade, while recognising that there will be no return to the single market or customs union.

We will improve the trading relationship through seeking to negotiate a veterinary / Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the European Union to prevent unnecessary border checks and help tackle the cost of food. We will ensure that any agreement we negotiate with our European partners is mutually beneficial, whilst also respecting our international obligations.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of potential unilateral recognition of EU standards to enable UK producers to satisfy EU requirements whilst continuing to sell the same products in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK currently recognises EU requirements, including the CE marking, for a range of products. This allows businesses to place goods on our market if they meet these rules, saving them time and money. The Product Safety and Metrology Bill will enable the UK to end recognition of EU product regulations, where it is in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers.

It will also enable the UK to make the sovereign choice to recognise new or updated EU product regulations where appropriate to prevent additional costs for businesses and support economic growth.

Found: Tuesday 21 May 2024 11.35 am Watch the meeting Members present: Baroness Taylor of Bolton (The Chair); Lord

Found: Q49 Lord Agnew of Oulton: I want to ask a very simple question.

Found: Lord Agnew of Oulton: What simplification would you like to see?

The Industry and Regulators Committee has launched an inquiry into skills policy, focusing in particular on apprenticeships and training, and in the context of the skills the UK workforce needs for the future. The inquiry will examine whether the UK’s current systems and policies for apprenticeships and in-work training are working and, if not, how they should be reformed. In doing so, the inquiry will consider the responsibilities of government, employers, training providers, and individuals, and the incentives facing these groups.