Checks on Goods Entering UK

Patrick Grady Excerpts
Monday 29th April 2024

(7 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Spencer Portrait Sir Mark Spencer
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Actually, on increased food prices in Wales, the biggest danger is taking 20% of land away from Welsh farmers and out of production and imposing a top-down approach to those farmers. I hope that the right hon. Lady will rethink her support for the Welsh Government’s disastrous proposals, which will drive thousands and thousands of people out of Welsh agriculture.

Patrick Grady Portrait Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)
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As a direct result of all these changes, small businesses will close, jobs will be lost and consumer choice will be reduced. That is the exact opposite of what Brexit was supposed to achieve, is it not?

Mark Spencer Portrait Sir Mark Spencer
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I do not accept the hon. Gentleman’s characterisation. This is a pragmatic approach to keeping the country safe from animal and plant diseases while allowing the free flow of trade via a model in which people can get certification away from the ports to ensure that they can import products, and stamping down on those who want to act illegally.