Sarah Green, Lib Dem MP for Chesham and Amersham, has said Bucks farmers will lose out as a result of the trade deals struck with Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking in a parliamentary debate on the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill, Green accused the government of “selling out” farmers in Chesham and Amersham who will now be forced to compete with Australian counterparts who are not held to the same high animal welfare and environmental standards.
She said:
“[L]ower standards allow for lower production costs and cheaper goods, which undercut UK farmers. Here in the UK, we are rightly proud of the high standards that we uphold in relation to animal welfare and the environment. We must not allow them to be undermined.
“Earlier this year I spoke to farmers in Chesham and Amersham who told me that they are already facing rising costs for essentials like fertiliser and fuel. These farmers are frightened for the future, and worried that their government is selling them out.”
“Trade affects us all and there are many who want to participate in the shaping of these agreements. That’s why it is so important to engage with them and get their buy in – it would build trust in the process, and in the treaties.
“The precedent that is being set is that Free Trade Agreements will get no parliamentary scrutiny and it sends a signal that the government will do the bare minimum to get them over the line.”
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