VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Food: Labelling

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 16 June 2026UIN 7437

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the answer of 21 April 2026 to Question 125703 on Food: Labelling, whether the Government will be able to (a) influence and (b) veto EU Directives restricting the (i) sale and (ii) marketing of (A) goods and (B) services (1) within Northern Ireland, (2) within Great Britain, (3) within the United Kingdom and (4) outside the United Kingdom and European Union.

Answered by Stephen Morgan

This Government is currently negotiating the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the EU to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and removing trade barriers for British producers and retailers.

This Government has made a choice to align with the EU in some areas where it makes sense to do so in our national interest.

The UK is building a new, pragmatic relationship with Europe. The Government will have a decision-shaping role for relevant EU rules.

While those negotiations are ongoing, Defra cannot comment further on the SPS agreement.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim