Asked by: Robbie Moore (Conservative - Keighley and Ilkley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans he has to include mirror clauses in future trade agreements for agricultural products.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The government will continue to seek fair and balanced trade deals which include new export opportunities to grow the UK’s world class agri-food and drinks sector.
We recognise concerns about production methods that are not permitted in the UK. While production practices differ internationally due to climate, disease pressures, and other local factors, we will always consider whether such differences create an unfair advantage and any resulting impacts.
We will always maintain UK levels of statutory protection in relation to human, animal or plant life or health, animal welfare, and the environment.