Lower standards will damage UK
The UK should only give tariff-free access to food which matches the high environmental and welfare standards demanded of UK farmers.
That was one of the findings of the report published yesterday by the independent Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) – which was established in response to concerns that new free trade agreements (FTAS) had the potential to allow a race to the bottom which would undercut British farmers.
The recommendations for safeguarding the UK’S high standards in future trade deals will now be considered by the UK government, who will have to reconcile the tensions of a government trade policy which seeks to liberalise trade and keep domestic standards along with the British farming sector.
English NFU president, Minette Batters said the report did a good job at dispelling the notion that such a task would be easy.
“Ultimately, how those tradeoffs are managed and weighed remains a decision for ministers and it is vital that the government now sets out, without delay, how it intends to accommodate these recommendations within a trade strategy that works for UK farmers and consumers alike.”
NFU president Martin Kennedy commended the role played by his predecessor,andrewmccornick in drawing up the report, saying: “NFU Scotland wholeheartedly agrees that UK trade policy must enable a fair and safe farming system for all - with no race to the bottom or erosion of standards - and an ambition to play a leading role in international agricultural issues.”
Weir Group, the Glasgowheadquartered global mining engineer, said it had delivered a “highly resilient performance” as it enters its 150th year having transformed the business.
Full-year results showed a dip in reported revenues and adjusted operating profits from continuing operations during 2020.
However, bosses hailed the group’s transformation into a “premium mining technology business”, having completed the sale of its oil and gas division. Some 80 per cent of revenues now come from “attractive” mining markets.
The group is now in its 150th year, having been founded in 1871 by two Scottish engineers, James and George Weir.
Chief executive Jon Stanton told investors: “The group delivered a highly resilient performance in what was an extraordinary year.
“This is a reflection of the fundamental strength of the business and its culture, together with the magnificent achievements of the people within the Weir global family.
“As we enter the group’s 150th year, Weir has been transformed into a premium mining technology provider that will help its customers become more sustainable and efficient and deliver the essential resources demanded by demographic trends and the fight against climate change.
“We’ve had a good start to 2021 and we expect to deliver growth in full-year constant currency profits subject to any further disruption from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“More broadly, underlying conditions are favourable and with the strong platform we’ve created we’re confident of outperforming our markets over the next three years.”