Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Freer and Hywel Williams

Thursday 3rd March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC)]

15. What steps she is taking to support agricultural exports to the EU.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Mike Freer)]

We support our farmers and food producers through all stages of their export journey to Europe and across the world. That includes support to exhibit at global food and drink trade events such as Sial in Paris and through the UK trade show programme. We also provide support through our network of agriculture, food and drink trade advisers based across Europe and we are working with the National Farmers Union and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to establish a mentoring programme for agricultural exporters.

[Hywel Williams]

The British Veterinary Association reports that over the past two years the number of EU vets registering for work in the UK has fallen by two thirds, while demand for food-related export certificates has increased 12-fold, by 1,255%. Wales was denied a seat at the trade negotiations, of course, and now Welsh farmers face increased competition from New Zealand and Australia. Is the hon. Gentleman really satisfied that his Government here in London are supporting Welsh food exports?

[Mike Freer]

Yes.