Disappointment at vote against key amendment to bill guaranteeing food and animal welfare standards

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire has stated his disappointment that MPs, including local MP Simon Hart, voted against a key amendment to the Agriculture Bill in Parliament. This amendment, by Conservative MP Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton), would have made the UK’s current food and animal welfare standards, which are much higher than those of countries like the US, a requirement for any future trade bill.

 Passing this amendment would have seen off any attempt to dilute these standards in exchange for a quick trade deal. Campaigners and farming organisations such as the National Farmers Union (NFU) supported the amendment.

The voting down of this amendment comes after many have expressed concerns at reports the UK is set to propose slashing import tariffs on lower quality US food imports in an effort to seal a free trade deal.

Alistair said:

“I am really disappointed that MPs voted against this crucial amendment. Passing it would have protected Welsh farmers from low-standard food imports and shown that we truly back our farmers.

“Many farmers across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire face an uncertain future. They deserve better than to be sold out for a quick trade deal.”

 “Those MPs, including Mr Hart, need to explain why they voted against this key amendment which would have maintained our current food and animal welfare standards.”