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Ed's Brexit Round-up

21st Jul 2017 / By Ed Barker

The NPA's newest recruit, Ed Barker, summarises the key developments on Brexit in Westminster and beyond over the past week.

  • This week, Liam Fox MP Secretary of State for Dept of International Trade addressed the World Trade Organisation, talking up the role of export markets for the UK and trade outside of the EU. It would suggest a ‘hard Brexit’ stance, potentially leaving pig producers open to tariffs on exports (cull sows for example) but higher prices on imports.
  • Conversely, Michael Gove, Philip Hammond and Theresa May have outlined their intention to have an agreement with the EU that allows the UK to trade within a single market. It has also been suggested that areas of technical difficultly be extended beyond the 2 year window with Europe – so to avoid a ‘cliff edge’ scenario.
  • The UK has confirmed it will be contributing to some kind of Brexit  payment settlement upon leaving the EU.
  • Michael Gove has made his first speech on CAP replacement in the UK, stating that any such payments have to be earned and that it will put the environment first.
  • The CLA and RSPCA have stated publically that any future support payments should include animal welfare.
  • Parliament is now in recess, which means it will not sit again until September. This means MPs will predominantly be in their constituencies, and is a good time for NPA members to engage with them. Any members who are looking to engage newly elected MPs or their MPs for the first team, the NPA is ready to help with any arrangements or briefings.