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

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to table their proposals around rules of animal origin so negotiations are structured around a UK proposal rather than the EU's standard text.

As the Prime Minister has previously said, the government does not propose to give a running commentary on negotiations, but standards concerning products of animal origin and animal movements are being given detailed consideration by my department.

Leaving the EU does not change our top priority which is to ensure that UK food remains safe and labelling is accurate. Defra is working closely with the Food Standards Agency and Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that the regulatory regime for food safety remains robust as the UK leaves the EU, in order to protect public health and retain the confidence of consumers and international trading partners.

From day one we are committed to having in place a robust and effective regulatory regime which will mean business can continue as normal. As we develop our new approach to food and farming outside the EU, we will not compromise on our high standards of animal welfare.