Former MP warns of US trade deal threat to UK agriculture

Former Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has raised fresh concerns over the potential risks posed to UK agriculture by a free-trade deal with the US.

Speaking on Sky News’ Politics Hub, hosted by Sophy Ridge, Ms Lucas discussed what such a deal could mean for the UK.

She expressed doubt about trusting US president Donald Trump, saying: “Dealing with Trump is like dealing with quicksilver – you can’t trust him from one hour to the next.”

See also: Judgment reserved on cost cap for Feedback’s legal challenge

Ms Lucas added: “The serious point here is about our farmers. I do seriously worry that if agriculture becomes a major part of the trade agreement, it could be absolutely devastating for our farmers.”

Ollie Field, a farmer from Pulborough, West Sussex, responded to Lucas’ concerns, noting the potential harm of US food imports on the UK market.

“The beef and lamb sectors are experiencing high prices, and if we start bringing in mass-produced imports, there will be oversupply, and prices will drop,” he said.

“I’m also concerned about the health impact on consumers.”

Mr Field noted that president Trump’s efforts to reduce production costs for US farmers would make it difficult for British farmers to compete on price.

The Labour government has repeatedly stated it will not sign a trade deal that allows imports of chlorinated chicken, hormone-fed beef, or any other products that undermine UK food standards.

However, some political commentators have suggested that president Trump could demand the UK accept these products in a “take it or leave it” deal, possibly threatening tariffs on UK imports if rejected.

China, the third-largest importer of US beef, has retaliated to president Trump’s tariffs by imposing 10-15% tariffs on US agricultural products.

This raises the possibility that the US might look to divert more food exports to other countries – including the UK.

Labour ‘must honour pledge’

Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, is urging UK farmers to ensure the government honours its pledge to exclude chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef from any trade deal with the US.

“The US trade deal was halted under Boris Johnson’s Conservative government due to the outcry over chlorinated chicken. We derailed a trade deal before, and we can do it again,” she said.

Mrs Webster also noted that a legal challenge by the charity Feedback, aiming to overturn the UK-Australia free-trade deal on environmental grounds, could influence future UK-US trade negotiations.

Neither the Department for Business and Trade or HM Treasury have replied to requests from Farmers Weekly for a comment on the prospects of including agriculture in a future US-UK trade agreement.