Thread by @GreenerUK_

The Future British Standards Coalition interim report – out today as the #AgricultureBill returns – shows that we can maintain bans on lower quality food imports AND sign ambitious trade deals.

But the report also shows a few other things… [1] sustainweb.org/news/oct20-fut…

Some have sought to claim that putting safeguards in law will unfairly impact or stop #trade with poorer nations. This is misleading. We *already* trade w/ countries in the Global South and can continue to do so. & setting high import standards has helped to increase exports [2]

Ministers have also sought to claim that protections have been transposed from #EU law, ie nothing to worry about. But the govt has made it easier to change the rules, removed scrutiny & admitted that changes to #food standards will become law automatically w/o a parli vote [3]

The FBSC report shows that it is possible to reject lower standard imports and comply with international/#WTO trade rules. See animal sentience in the EU-Mexico deal – and @DavidHenigUK's thread from yesterday, for example [4]

https://twitter.com/DavidHenigUK/status/1315200940484550656

There are clear risks in lowering standards: pressure on schools & hospitals to accept lower quality products; exposing UK citizens to more toxic chemicals; undercutting UK farmers; encouraging poorer production practices that harm nature & wildlife sustainweb.org/news/oct20-fut… [5]

But there are also advantages in high standards! The govt likes to see itself as a world leader – why not choose to defend high food production standards at the WTO and encourage trading partners to adopt higher standards? Look at the market growth of sustainable seafood, too [6]

So, returning today, the #AgricultureBill offers the govt a chance to uphold its manifesto pledge & dispel fears that food standards are to be traded away. Ministers should seek to accept the amendment that stipulates imports should meet UK standards [7] theguardian.com/politics/2020/…

…and seek to work with parliamentarians to create a stronger, permanent and more representative Trade and Agriculture Commission – particularly re. public health – to advise the govt on #trade policy and agreements.

We urge MPs and ministers to #SaveOurStandards [8/end]