The UK has now exited the European Union, a UK-EU agreement has been signed and thousands of laws have been transferred on to the UK statute book (known as Retained European Legislation). These laws, which the UK helped draw up, cover the protection of the environment, food and farming standards, public health and workers’ rights.

New trade deals with Australia and New Zealand have been signed and a number of rollover deals negotiated. The Government insists it will maintain high food, environment and animal welfare standards but the Retained EU Legislation Bill could revoke regulations covering everything from food safety, labelling and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. This could open the door to imports that are currently banned such as hormone beef and chlorine chicken.

 

If the UK chooses to deviate from EU regulations - the trading bloc can impose counter measures. 

 

The Agriculture Act requires Defra and the statutory Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the impact of future trade deals on UK food and farming.  Reports will now be laid before Parliament, alongside the text of proposed trade deals, covering the impact of that deal. Advice is supposed to be sought on health aspects too.