Skip to main content

Proceeding contribution from Lord Gove (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 10 January 2019. It occurred during Debate on European Union (Withdrawal) Act.


European Union (Withdrawal) Act

I have read that letter. It has been sent to every Member, and I would ask every Member to give it close attention. Our farming communities, like our country, were split over whether to leave. A majority of farmers voted to leave, recognising the opportunities that being outside the CAP would present, but I have yet to meet a single farmer who believes that a no-deal Brexit would be the right option for this country when the withdrawal agreement in front of us provides the opportunity for tariff-free and quota-free access for agricultural products to the EU.

I will say a bit more about the specific challenges of a no-deal Brexit. It is an intellectually consistent position, but it is important, even as we apprise it and pay respect to its advocates, that we also recognise the real turbulence that would be caused, at least in the short and medium term, to many of our farmers and food producers.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
652 c569 
Session
2017-19
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Conditions of employment Animal welfare Common fisheries policy Agriculture Business Borders Fisheries Immigration controls Environment protection Food Government assistance Import duties Free movement of people Northern Ireland Protection Negotiations Scotland Standards Republic of Ireland Trade agreements Common agricultural policy Sheep meat UK trade with EU Fracking Brexit UK relations with EU
Legislation
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on hansard.parliament.uk