The government has rejected calls for a 24-month transition as the UK plans a closer relationship with the EU.
The UK is negotiating deals with the EU on food and drink standards, carbon emissions and electricity. It would mean following EU rules in those three areas – and continuing to do so as rules change.
Alignment
So-called dynamic alignment would make trade quicker and easier between the UK and the rest of Europe. But Efra committee MPs had called for a transition period – giving the agri-food sector time to adjust to the new arrangements.
The government maintains that the agreement will take effect from mid-2027. And it has effectively rejected a recommendation that a 24-month transition should be agreed to enable businesses to adapt to new regulations and processes.
Efra committee chairman Alistair Carmichael MP said it was disappointing that government ministers had declined to give farmers time to adjust. “With headwinds already howling in their direction, the sector needs all the help it can get.”
In its response, the government said: “We know that some businesses require longer to adjust to the new arrangements and will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition.”