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
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Farming in the UK is under real pressure"
Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Farming in the UK is under real pressure"

TFA policy adviser Lynette Steel writes on what farmers want from the Farming Roadmap, and how the Government can help to deliver postive change for the sector

Lynette Steel
clock 16 February 2026 • 3 min read
Nigel Farage's Reform distances itself from links to rewilder Ben Goldsmith
Politics

Nigel Farage's Reform distances itself from links to rewilder Ben Goldsmith

Reform said its agricultural and rural policy is being developed by 'experienced farmers, land managers, and industry experts', and not Ben Goldsmith

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 16 February 2026 • 2 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"
Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"

Wetherby and Easingwold MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke writes on how the shooting industry plays an important role to the economy and rural way of life, the countryside's backlash to the proposed shotgun licence merger, and why the Government risks breaking the very spirit that's sustained farming communities for generations

Sir Alec Shelbrooke
clock 13 February 2026 • 3 min read