NFU warns Gov not to overstep 'red line' on food standards in US-UK trade deal

Defra Secretary Steve Reed has made previous commitments that Labour would not 'sell out' farmers in any future trade deals. Will the Gov now keep its word?

clock • 7 min read
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "And it is absolutely unimaginable that there are sectors of agriculture which could in any way be sacrificed to try and protect other areas of the economy. If we do not want them in this country, we should not import food produced to those standards, because it should be a barrier. It should be a red line which cannot be crossed."
Image:

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "And it is absolutely unimaginable that there are sectors of agriculture which could in any way be sacrificed to try and protect other areas of the economy. If we do not want them in this country, we should not import food produced to those standards, because it should be a barrier. It should be a red line which cannot be crossed."

US-UK trade deal NFU president Tom Bradshaw has issued a warning to Labour that it cannot afford to 'sacrifice' British agriculture for the benefit of other sectors in a potential deal with US President...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

Sign up for our FREE webinar: Are you ready for IHT changes?

Sign up for our FREE webinar: Are you ready for IHT changes?

In this Farmers Guardian webinar, in partnership with NFU Mutual, we'll discuss all the things farmers need to know ahead of the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief which come into force on April 6.

Alex Black
clock 04 March 2026 • 2 min read
Spring Statement 2026: Reeves fails to mention farming nor food security for second year in a row

Spring Statement 2026: Reeves fails to mention farming nor food security for second year in a row

It is the second time in the space of successive years that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the Government's Spring Statement, but farming was not mentioned in her address to Parliament again

Chris Brayford
clock 03 March 2026 • 3 min read
Spring Statement 2026: Farmers tell Reeves food security must take centre stage in latest Westminster protest

Spring Statement 2026: Farmers tell Reeves food security must take centre stage in latest Westminster protest

As the world holds its breath with conflict ongoing in the Middle East, will Chancellor Rachel Reeves take decisive steps to outline how food security is national security in the Spring Statement?

Chris Brayford
clock 03 March 2026 • 3 min read