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

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the benefits of a veterinary agreement with the European Union against any adverse impact (1) with our other major trading partners, and (2) on the UK's regulatory reform potential.

Defra in conjunction with the Department for Business and Trade will work to reset the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties and tackle barriers to trade, while recognising that there will be no return to the single market or customs union.

We will improve the trading relationship through seeking to negotiate a veterinary / Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the European Union to prevent unnecessary border checks and help tackle the cost of food. We will ensure that any agreement we negotiate with our European partners is mutually beneficial, whilst also respecting our international obligations.