Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for any delay in dealing with the Agriculture Bill and the Fisheries Bill for preparations for (1) the UK’s departure from the transition period at the end of December, and (2) businesses adjusting to the new regimes.

We are working to ensure that essential Parliamentary business can continue as far as possible during this period.

With reference to the Agriculture Bill, the Government remains committed to reforming English agricultural policy, so that we can reward our farmers and land managers for protecting our environment, improving animal welfare and providing a supply of healthy, home-grown produce. We know that farmers and land managers need as much certainty as possible. The Government will reflect on any delays to Parliamentary business and legislation and provide more information in due course.

The Government remains committed to progressing the Fisheries Bill. The Bill will allow us to manage our fisheries more sustainably and appropriately after the transition period. As with agriculture, however, we know that fishers need certainty. This is why the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 will convert the body of EU law in force at that time into retained EU law, appropriately amended by statutory instruments. We continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure they are informed and prepared.