Scrutiny commission launched

The much-anticipated Trade and Agriculture Commission was formally launched at Westminster yesterday, proclaiming its aim was to help parliament scrutinise trade deals and how they would affect British consumers and farmers.

The group, which is made up of sector leaders has been charged with drawing up a report with recommendations which will be presented to International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss.

Critics have, however, called the commission “a fig-leaf ”, claiming that, as its findings and recommendations will be advisory only, the initiative lacks the teeth that the legislative backing which the Government voted down would have provided.

However Trade Secretary Truss said the commission would ensure the country’s high standards were upheld and British farmers were able seize new opportunities to export their goods abroad:

“This is about putting British farming at the heart of our trade policy and ensuring that our agriculture industry is amongst the most competitive and innovative in the world.

“The quality of Commission members ensures that the advice produced will be representative and robust – and the government will listen,” said Truss.

Defra Secretary George Eustice added: “The Government is committed that in all of our trade negotiations we will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards.”

Chair of the group, former Food Standards Authority and Tesco boss, Tim Smith, said the Commission had an “engaged and passionate membership” committed to providing the Government with “robust, evidence-based advice” on ensuring trade policy was fair.