21 Acknowledged

The Government has made the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the EU a political priority...

Conclusion
The Government has made the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the EU a political priority and convincingly demonstrated its potential economic benefits if properly negotiated. However, important questions remain about the scope of the Agreement and of any exemptions from the UK’s obligation to align with EU rules. (Conclusion, Paragraph 72)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of alignment with the EU, citing manifesto commitments and potential economic benefits, and states it will take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach while engaging with industry.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government was elected on the basis of manifesto commitments to reset relations with our European Partners, while sticking to our red lines – that we will not return to the Customs Union, Single Market, or freedom of movement. That is what this Government has delivered – though we are clear there is more to do. There are clear areas where closer alignment with the EU can benefit UK businesses, drive growth, create jobs and lower prices. We are already aligning with the Single Market in some areas to drive down the prices of food and energy. This could add up to £5.1 billion a year to our economy, increase agricultural exports to the EU by 16%, and mean lorries will spend less time in queues at the border. Ultimately, this could reduce pressure on food prices for consumers. The Government will look at other areas where the UK and EU can work together, as set out in our manifesto. Deeper economic integration is in our collective interest. As the Prime Minister has stated, we want closer economic cooperation with the EU. It will benefit British businesses, British workers and British security, The Government will continue to take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach. We recognise the importance of engaging industry as part of the UK-EU negotiations process, and the Government is in regular dialogue with stakeholders through both formal TCA fora, like the Domestic Advisory Group and the Civil Society Forum, and departmental-led fora on specific thematic issues.