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North-east MP concerned by New Zealand trade deal
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has expressed concern at the UK Government’s newly announced trade deal with New Zealand.
The SNP MP is worried at the potential consequences for Scottish farmers and producers as a result of the deal, details of which were announced yesterday.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“The UK Conservative Government supposedly ‘took back control’ of our borders post-Brexit, but all that’s happened is tighter restrictions on our exports and no corresponding checks on what it is prepared to allow to come in – something which is fast becoming a disaster for our domestic food producers.
“This trade deal with New Zealand follows on from the Australian deal signed in June, which also allowed no opportunity for the House of Commons to debate and discuss the terms.
“New Zealand is of course famous for its food and drink, particularly lamb and dairy products. In Scotland, we value our high standards of animal welfare and production, but this trade deal allows imports from New Zealand which may not aspire to the same standards and which will compete directly with home-produced items, to say nothing of the food miles involved.
“It’s clear that this trade deal was not negotiated with the interests of Scotland’s farmers and food and drink producers in mind.”
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