Vets respond to announcement on Trade and Agriculture Commission
"We welcome this important step from the Government in acknowledging the strength of feeling on the issue of protecting UK animal health and welfare standards" - James Russell, BVA president.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) president James Russell has welcomed Sunday's announcement (1 November) from the Government that it is to strengthen the remit of the Trade and Agriculture Commission.
The strengthening of the remit, which would enable the Trade and Agriculture Commission to provide ongoing and statutory scrutiny of future trade deals, has been also been welcomed by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the veterinary profession and animal welfare organisations.
It comes after more than one million people signed a petition calling for action to prevent the undermining of British farming standards in future trade deals. Concern centred on food imports from countries where production has lower animal welfare, public health and environmental standards than those in the UK.
Mr Russell said: “We welcome this very important step from the Government in acknowledging the strength of feeling on the issue of protecting UK animal health and welfare standards in future trade deals.
“While we welcomed the establishment of the Trade and Agriculture Commission in June, we raised concerns that its role was only advisory and repeatedly called for the Government to commit to protecting standards through legislation. We’re pleased that the Government has listened to concerns and will now put the Commission on a statutory footing.
“It’s essential that in scrutinising future trade deals the Commission draws on a wide range of veterinary expertise to put animal health and welfare at the centre of decision making. The farming community, veterinary profession, and consumers need to be reassured that the UK will not compromise our reputation for high animal welfare standards.”
NFU President Minette Batters said: “This significant commitment to primary legislation on food standards, both in the Agriculture Bill and Trade Bill, is exactly what we have been calling for. It is a landmark moment for the people of the UK, for our countryside and the future of the food on our plates.
“This decision means everyone who cares about our trading relationships with the rest of the world – MPs, stakeholders and the public – will see independent expert advice from the Trade Agriculture Commission on future trade deals before they are ratified.”
RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood also welcomed the announcement, adding that the move 'will go some way to stopping any potential agreements which could impact on animal welfare standards from slipping through the net.'
“Making the Trade & Agriculture Commission statutory and extending its life for three years will meet the RSPCA’s requirements for an independent body with teeth that can represent the welfare of animals,” he said. “We look forward to working with the Government on these developments.”
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