News Beat
Food bills will rise again if Labour signs new EU deal that heaps costs on British farmers, industry chiefs warn
FOOD bills will rise again if Labour signs a new EU deal that heaps costs on British farmers, industry chiefs warn.
Ministers are in talks on the terms of an agreement intended to reduce border checks and cut red tape on exports.
But it would mean Britain mirroring stricter EU pesticide rules once again, CropLife UK says.
Modelling by Andersons shows the hit could reach £810million in year one, with sharp drops in wheat, potato and apple yields.
Experts say food inflation is hard to predict but warn cutting UK production will not make shopping cheaper, as more imports could “lead to higher prices for consumers.”
CropLife says it backs a deal in principle but wants Labour to avoid a sudden reset and instead adopt “managed alignment” to protect British growers.
A Government spokesperson said ministers are focused on securing a “food and drink deal that could deliver up to £5.1 billion a year for the UK economy“.
They added: “An SPS deal would slash red tape, cut costs and delays at the border.
“It would also lift barriers on a wider range of UK exports to the EU.
“This would support farmers, producers and businesses across the UK.
“Our negotiations are ongoing.
“We’re working with businesses on the ground to shape our approach and make sure they’re ready to benefit as soon as any new arrangements take effect.
