Oral Answers to Questions

Kevin Hollinrake Excerpts

Thursday 9th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Steve Barclay]

In which case the hon. Lady should well know that the specific issue of documentation versus digital was raised with the Minister for Security, who was clear that although there will be a letter to provide a document, it would have reference to the digital number. That issue was explored at length. She will also know that citizens do not lose any rights when they get pre-settled status, and that they then move on to settled status. Those issues were debated—that is what a Committee stage is for—and addressed by a Home Office Minister at that time.

[Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

12. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on potential opportunities for (a) farmers and (b) the agricultural sector after the UK leaves the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Steve Barclay)]

I continue to have regular conversations with ministerial colleagues on all aspects of exiting the European Union, including agricultural policy.

[Kevin Hollinrake]

Our farmers and food producers are required by domestic legislation to observe high standards for the environment, the workplace and animal welfare. Will the Secretary of State confirm that under future free trade agreements, tariff-free imports will be allowed only from producers that also observe those standards?

[Steve Barclay]

My hon. Friend is right to raise the issue, about which there has been a live discussion at the Oxford farming conference, as he will know. The UK has always been a leading advocate of open and fair competition. I assure him that we are absolutely committed to maintaining high standards through a robust domestic enforcement regime.