Heading back into Brexit discussions the NFU reminds government that agri-food sector is worth £122 billion to UK
The strategic importance and economic value of the British food and farming industry must not be overlooked in the Brexit discussions to come, the NFU has said after it published new Defra figures as part of its State of the Farming Economy report. The data has shown that the contribution of the agri-food sector to the national economy increased from £113 billion to nearly £122 billion in 2017, and that UK food and drink exports...
Extension to Brexit process agreed again – trade comments
EU leaders have granted the Prime Minister an extension to the UK Brexit process, after meeting in Brussels on 10th April. The new deadline of 31st October offers the prospect of the UK not having to leave the EU without a deal. Theresa May said she had wanted a shorter delay and confirmed that the UK would still aim to leave the EU as soon as possible. However, the UK must now hold European elections in May, or leave on 1st June...
UK exports of animals and animal product to EU approved
The UK listed status application to assure animals and animal product movements in a no-deal EU exit has been approved by EU member states. The Member States agreed the application after confirming that it met the animal health and biosecurity assurances required for a third country to export live animals and animal products. This confirmation is part of the EU’s published no deal contingency planning – without it, exports of animal...
MPs vote for an extension to Brexit process – industry reaction
In a bid to avoid any no-deal scenario, MPs voted by a majority of one last night to force Prime Minister Teresa May to ask the EU for an extension to the Brexit process. The bill, which was put forward by Labour’s Yvette Cooper, was passed by the Commons in just one day and will need to be approved by the Lords before it becomes law. It will still be for the EU27 to decide to grant any extension to the UK. The Prime Minister...
Brexit deadlock continues as PM expected to meet Jeremy Corbyn
Following the announcement that the Prime Minister will ask the EU for a further short extension to the UK Brexit date, Mrs May is now planning on meeting with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. This is in the hope that the two of them can come up with a modified version of her proposed deal with the EU, so that she that can secure the backing of MPs. The PM wants to get an agreement passed by Parliament before 22nd May, so the UK does not...
Recognition of craft skills long overdue – IoM
A new report issued by think tank, The Social Market Foundation (SNF), has suggested that workers who complete apprenticeships should be allowed to call themselves ‘craftsman’ or ‘craftswoman’ to put their qualifications on a par with university degrees. Whilst welcoming the report, the chief executive of the Institute of Meat (IoM), Keith Fisher, pointed out that this actually highlights something the IoM have been doing for a...
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