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Expected government u-turn alert. The Trade and Agriculture Commission is to be made permanent and issue a report on each trade deal before it is laid before parliament. Another small and inevitable step forward, but many more to go... https://twitter.com/NFUtweets/status/1322813595445612544
Still the case that Parliament doesn't get a vote on trade agreements, only the ability to delay them, and a report from a body whose membership is selected in an unclear manner may or may not turn out to be robust. Hence why this is a small step...
The second government u-turn on food and trade shows that the campaign to protect UK food standards is strong, and like in virtually all countries with an independent trade policy, farmers will be a strong interest group and a US trade deal controversial.
But while the UK government still wants a US trade deal, won't put in place proper parliamentary scrutiny, or actively set policies such as on animal welfare and use of antibiotics the campaigning is likely to continue. Why would it stop when campaigners are winning?
It has been clear for at least two years that the government would be forced in one way or other to concede greater scrutiny of trade deals. I don't think the message has fully landed even now, hence why we see only one step at a time.
Where we need to get to is the UK having clear policies relating to food and trade, proper parliamentary scrutiny from mandate to final deal, and stakeholder body members appointed transparently. Work to do on all three.
Finally, for those who think all talk of food standards is simple protectionism, for me the idea that regulations hamper trade is out of date. Modern trade follows regulations, and they're needed to maintain public support. But we also need free trade within that context.
Also recall that some of those pushing hardest for a UK-US trade deal are in effect acting as paid lobbyists for US farming interests. Which isn't then about free trade v protectionism, but one set of rules v another. I think we should take what scope we have to set our own. /end
