Peers to hear views of farmers, food industry and vets on UK-EU trade deal
19 January 2021
Peers will hear the reaction of farming, food industry and veterinary bodies to the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement tomorrow (Wednesday 20 January from 10.00 a.m.).
The House of Lords EU Environment Sub-Committee continues its latest inquiry - Future UK-EU relations: energy, environment and health - by hearing from :
At 10.00 a.m.
- Nick von Westenholz, Director of International Trade and Business Strategy, National Farmers’ Union
- Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability, British Retail Consortium
- Dominic Goudie, Head of International Trade, Food and Drink Federation
Likely questions and areas for discussion include:
- What are the implications of the Agreement for UK consumers in terms of healthy eating, choice, affordability and quality?
- How is the Agreement affecting your processes, and what trade can take place?
- What impact is the Agreement having on border checks for agri-food products on both sides of the GB-EU border?
At 11.00 a.m.
- Mandisa Greene, President, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- James Russell, President, British Veterinary Association
- Professor Susan Dawson, Dean, School of Veterinary Science
Likely questions and areas for discussion include:
- Will the availability of vets be a constraint on the operation of the new arrangements in the UK?
- What can Government do to ensure vet capacity is not a constraint on the agri-food industry?
- What can Government do to increase the number of UK-trained vets working in the agri-food industry and support their retention?
The evidence session will be live on Parliament TV.
