Thursday, 18 Apr 2024

Boris Johnson defeats secret Commons ploy to block post-Brexit trade deal with the US

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Within the plan, the Government is set to use a Commons rule to stop a potential amendment being passed on food and animal welfare standards next week. MPs were set to vote on whether to give further powers to a food standards commission in order to maintain food and hygiene standards on products imported into the UK. The Government, however, will argue by giving additional powers to the new Trade and Agriculture Commission, additional costs would be added.

In order for the commission to be given more powers, and therefore additional funding, a money resolution is required to sanction further expenditure.

The move sparked outrage among some MPs, who claimed the Commons is “wrongly” being denied a vote.

Chair of the Commons Environment Select Committee, Neil Parish, told The Independent: “The Commons is wrongly being denied a say on a technicality.

“The government should allow a vote.

“These are really important matters for the future of food and farming.

“The commission isn’t costing anything at the moment, so I don’t see why we need a separate money resolution for it to be extended to look at new trade deals.”

Under the proposed amendment, the commission would be retained for four years, instead of the current six months.

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The proposed amendment was put forward by Lord Curry of Kirkharle, who claimed any additional costs would be minuscule.

By not giving the commission additional powers to govern the import of potentially low-quality products, some opposition MPs say it could allow chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef into the UK after Brexit.

Chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef, have been thrust into the spotlight, as they could be included in any trade deal with the US.

Both are currently banned from entering the country, although some MPs have expressed concern Britain would need to drop certain standards on food products in order to agree a deal with the US.

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Despite the fears of some MPs, International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss has maintained the UK’s high food standards will not be dropped in favour of any future deal.

Ms Truss has also promised to give Parliament increased scrutiny over trade deals going forward.

The UK Agriculture Bill will be considered for amendments next week.

Once the amendments have been voted on, it will then pass for royal assent.

A Government spokesperson said: “Chlorinated chicken and hormone injected beef are not permitted for import into the UK.

“This will be retained through the EU Withdrawal Act and enshrined in UK law at the end of the transition period.

“The government is focused on getting trade deals that protect and advance the interests of our farmers and consumers.

“If a deal isn’t the right one, we will walk away.”

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