House of Lords Brexit Report Doesn’t Go Far Enough, Say UK Campaigners Sustain

04 May 2017 --- Following yesterday’s House of Lords report into the challenges and opportunities caused by Brexit, the alliance for better food and farming, Sustain has criticized the government for its lack of focus on environment and food standards.

The report looks at the implications of Brexit for UK agriculture and food, particularly the implications of leaving the EU's Common Agriculture Policy and the Single Market and was reported extensively in FoodIngredientsFirst yesterday.

However, the campaign group - which advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, promote equity and enrich society and culture - now says it’s vital for the next Government to build a coherent plan to address all key aspects of the food system.

“This report rightly highlights the risks of Brexit for the UK food industry but does not focus enough on environment and food standards to provide the balanced and coherent picture that this country will need for the challenges ahead,” says Vicki Hird, Farm Campaign Coordinator of Sustain.

"The report is strong in outlining the opportunities and calls for a reasonable transition phase to help farmers in particular to adjust to the loss of a crucial European farm and rural subsidy regime, and access to overseas workers to the threat of higher trade tariffs."

"But it is crucial that the next Government builds on this so we see a clear and coherent plan - developed with input from all stakeholders - which addresses all aspects of the complex food system in an integrated way. There must be no trade-off between strong environment, farm or food standards and trade deals for instance."