UK-US trade deal: Government cannot engage in a “double betrayal” of our farmers

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

There have been reports in the Times of a potential trade deal between the UK and US which would include the eliminating tariffs on US beef, chicken and pork. It comes as Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch said today that chlorinated chicken or hormone injected beef have never been real blockers to a US trade deal.

Responding, Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, Tim Farron MP said:

“Unlike Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats will fight to protect British farming. Our high standards must be preserved and the Government must ensure that this is reflected in any forthcoming trade deal with the US.

“British farmers have the highest food and animal welfare standards in the world. Over the past few years, they  have  suffered the impacts of income cuts and botched trade deals with Australia and New Zealand under the Conservatives.

“The Government must not let them now be undercut by low quality US meat imports. That would be a double betrayal of our farming communities.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Kemi Badenoch’s comments are reported here