NFU tells Starmer to hold firm on poultry standards

Farmer leader Tom Bradshaw has urged Keir Starmer to hold firm on poultry production standards when negotiating trade deals.

The NFU has written to the Prime Minister calling for the government to continue its balanced approach to trade and to protect UK standards as trade negotiations progress with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The council  imports approximately 85% of its food requirements. This presents opportunities for British farmers, particularly for products such as dairy, lamb and oats.

Health and welfare

But there have been reports that the deal could include uncapped access to the UK’s poultry market for chicken meat. While reports suggest imports would have to meet UK hygiene standards, this rule wouldn’t extend to animal welfare.

Mr Bradshaw said Gulf Cooperation Council standards fell well short of those expected in the UK poultry sector. The government should stand by pledges made by Sir Keir to protect Britain’s high production standards.

“Balanced and mutually beneficial trade deals can provide a real economic boost, including for farm businesses,” said Mr Bradshaw. “A modern trade deal with the council, if fair and balanced, could offer huge potential for agricultural exporters.

Market access

As always, striking the right balance would depend on the government upholding its commitments to deny greater market access for food imports which have been produced in ways that are illegal here.

This would undermine Britain’s reputation for high animal welfare standards that our producers deliver, and consumers value and rightly expec, said Mr Bradshaw.

“Our poultry sector produces to some of the highest standards in the world. This is vastly different to the council trading bloc which only seems to have basic welfare provisions, which fall well short of the robust  legislation in place in the UK.

“It’s vital the government takes the same balanced approach it took with the recent India and US trade agreements. This is the next test to see if the government will stand strong and protect the standards our country demands and values.”