Trade deal standards vote blow

Even before the crucial Westminster vote on amendments to the UK Agriculture Bill aimed at giving legislative backing to measures designed to protect the UK’S food and farming standards, a blow was dealt to the farming industry’ s hopes of securing fair play in international trade deals.

And the Government was blasted for using an arcane rule to discount an amendment put forward by Lord Curry of Kirkharle in the House of Lords to strengthen the role of the independent Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) in scrutinising and vetting future international trade deals.

But while the costs of making such a change were dismissed as being “miniscule” by Curry, the Government claimed such a move represented a “Money Resolution”, meaning that under a parliamentary rule it could not be introduced by the upper house, and refused to take it forward.

NFU Scotland President Andrew Mccornick, who represents Scotland on the TAC said with the amendment having secured significant support for moves which would have ensured more appropriate governance and scrutiny of trade negotiations, he was disappointed that the “sensible and proportionate” amendment was not selected for a vote due to compatibility issues with the Bill’s agreed Money Resolution.

“I remain concerned that there is not a strong enough role for Par li ament,” he said “Whilst we are highly disappointed that the sensible New Clause 18 will not be voted on tonight, we will work to explore further opportunities to ensure these vital principles are re-considered through other means.