Further to our previous correspondence regarding agriculture, food standards and future trade negotiations in which I noted that the Government has agreed with campaigners including the NFU to set up an independent Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC), I have received correspondence from the Department for International Trade outlining further details of the future of the TAC.
The TAC will help to advise and warn about whether or not any deal being negotiated would undermine our farming and animal welfare standards or cause other problems to British agriculture. The Government has now tabled an amendment in the House of Lords to put the TAC on a statutory footing and to ensure the committee of independent experts play an active role in boosting the scrutiny of future trade deals. The Government is also now seeking to extend the role of the TAC after its current limited fixed term ends.
I hope this letter will provide you with reassurance of the Government’s position on this important issue and you can read the full text of the Department for International Trade's letter below.