Food standards

A perplexing game of governmental doublespeak over food standards and trade agreements is underway, with the British farming community looking on, worried and increasingly angry.

Local MP Andrew Griffith seems to be part of this opaque performance play and we are very concerned by his persistent refusal to vote to enshrine current standards into the Agriculture Bill .

Despite having had enough letters from constituents to warrant sending a special message after last Monday’s vote, Mr Griffith still justified ignoring what is the majority will – to give legal protection for farmers and consumers from cheap, cruelly- reared, unsustainable produce.

Andrew Griffith claims enshrining our standards into the Agriculture Bill is unnecessary as existing and post-eu law will prevent the import of chlorinated chicken and hormone-injected beef.

However, he also claimed that the Lords amendments, which were about much the same thing, would put up prices and make trade negotiations almost impossible. Confused? Smell a rat?

Greens believe international trade agreements must not override or undermine strong local or regional supply chains. Ultimately, of course, it is nonsensical to have the

same food items that can be produced by either country for itself, criss-crossing the Atlantic or continents.

A proper strategy could help UK farmers grow more food for consumption here, instead of the looming scenario where they will supply export markets, while the public is swamped with less healthy, unethical imports. People want their MP to fight to prevent such an outcome.

DEBORAH SMITH On Behalf of Arun & Chichester Green Party