Agriculture Bill

Debate between Michael Gove and Mark Prisk

Wednesday 10th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

The Times is a great newspaper of record, but I did not recognise today’s report. Sheep do have to be slaughtered eventually to ensure that upland farmers and sheep farmers more broadly can get a fair price for the sheepmeat they produce. Indeed, our Bill has specific provisions to ensure that all farmers get a fair price in the market and that we can intervene where necessary to safeguard their economic interests.

[Mr Mark Prisk (Hertford and Stortford) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend give way?

[Mr Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend give way?

[Michael Gove]

I will give way first to my hon. Friend the Member for Hertford and Stortford (Mr Prisk) and then to my hon. Friend the Member for Ludlow (Mr Dunne).

[Mr Prisk]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is right to highlight the important role of farmers. I have met many of my local farmers and other quality food producers, and the question they have put to me in recent weeks is how will the new regime enable them to compete against often cheaper and often lower quality imports?

[Michael Gove]

This Government have emphasised that we will ensure that the high environmental and animal welfare standards of which we are so proud and which our farmers uphold are defended. We will not enter into trade or other agreements that undercut or undermine the high standards on which British agriculture’s reputation depends.