13
The Government risks negotiating with one hand tied behind its back if it does not...
Recommendation
The Government risks negotiating with one hand tied behind its back if it does not take full advantage of the knowledge and intelligence that the UK sector can provide to support negotiations. The description of the agri-food Trade Advisory Group (TAG) given by the Deputy Chief Negotiator appears to confirm the industry’s description that the group was mostly about providing updates to industry rather than industry, and other stakeholders, providing advice and insights to Government. The Government must overhaul the way it engages with the relevant sectors and the devolved administrations during negotiations to provide for meaningful two-way engagement. We ask that it reports back by September on the changes it has made to how the group operates. The Government should also expand the membership of the agri-food TAG to provide it with additional expertise on animal welfare, health and environmental considerations.
Paragraph Reference
89
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 12 October 2022. Response attribution to this recommendation has not been verified. Read the response document.
Source
Report
First report - Australia FTA: Food and Agriculture
17 Jun 2022
HC 23
Addressee Bodies
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.2 yrs
Report published
17 Jun 2022