Post-Brexit trade deal with US could tarnish our good reputation
THE continued domination of the news headlines by Brexit, and the lack of progress, has many people reaching for the remote control.
Week after week of headlines confirming that nothing has changed have become quite tiresome.
Whether you voted Leave or Remain, the continued lack of clarity is starting to affect all areas of business with concerns fuelling speculation about what might follow an exit from the EU
This week has seen speculation about the kind of trade deal we might form with the US and a flurry of concern from the veterinary profession about the potential to undermine UK animal welfare legislation.
The UK has some of the highest standards in the world for farm welfare legislation. The consumer in the UK can be confident that buying British assures high standards of welfare.
Striking a trade deal with the US is likely to be very important for the UK economy after leaving the EU and would include all sectors of business, trade and industry.
Farming and food would make up a relatively small part of that agreement and the UK veterinary community are concerned that pressure to agree an overall deal might sideline considerations of animal welfare.
There are a number of practices in the US farming sector which are not permitted in the UK.
Practices like using growth promoters in livestock rearing and raising poultry in barns with no windows are considered normal in the US but are not permitted in the UK.
This week, the US has published its negotiating aims. The veterinary community is concerned that if lower standard products are allowed to enter the UK, it would become difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two and make informed choices about the products they buy.
Within the UK, these goods could become indistinguishable from UK produce, jeopardising the ability of UK farmers to trade using the good reputation of the UK as a high animal health and welfare producer.
Allowing animal products onto the UK market which do not comply with EU Alison joined our team from Bonhams, Leeds and welcomes all items for valuation from all areas of collecting. China, Glass, Oriental Items Silver, Jeweller y, Clocks, Pictures, Books etc . Sarah invites all items of Jeweller y including diamond and other gem set rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches, necklaces, pendants, pearls, gold and silver. Sarah is also inviting Silver, Plated Ware and White Metal. regulations, will mean the need for veterinary checks on UK goods entering the EU Single Market would rise. This would place additional delays on UK producers selling into the EU.
As with all things Brexit, everything is currently up in the air. However, vets are keen that they are consulted as the UK considers its stance when we look to negotiate individual trade deals around the world.