Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Eustice and Brendan Clarke-Smith

Thursday 4th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[George Eustice]

Unlike the European Union, we have taken a pragmatic approach to phasing in border controls, so that we can protect business supply chains and UK consumers, but when we do start to introduce those export health certificates, they will be certificates that are of a similar form to those of the European Union, since they are derived from retained EU law. I understand the point my hon. Friend is making, but we should also remain conscious that the primary focus of these checks is to protect food standards and animal health. Over time, the European Union may diverge from British law or may suffer variable enforcement between member states, and the UK needs the ability to protect British consumers and to operate food safety surveillance of other EU member states.

[Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to support flood resilience.