Government rejects Efra call for SPS transition period

The government has dismissed calls by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) select committee for a phased approach and transition period for a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU.

This is despite warnings by cross-party MPs on the Efra committee that rushing through an agreement with the EU could have major consequences for British farmers.

An Efra committee report published on 5 February called on the government to secure an implementation period of at least 24 months for sectors to make necessary adjustments resulting from the SPS agreement.

See also: Efra calls for phased approach to EU SPS agreement

However, a government response issued on 17 April has said that the agreement will take effect in mid-2027.

The Efra committee also recommended that the government should provide a clear, realistic transition timetable for moving to a common SPS area, published with key milestones at least 12-24 months in advance.

The government responded by partially accepting the recommendation.

Its response said: “We have been listening to businesses. We know that some businesses require longer to adjust to the new arrangements and will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition.

“As negotiations progress, we will continue to work closely with affected sectors, port health authorities and local authorities to plan for any changes.

“We are committed to providing clear, timely information on next steps so that organisations can prepare effectively. Starting in May, we will provide more detailed guidance for businesses.”

Efra committee chair Alistair Carmichael MP welcomed the government’s positive response to many of its recommendations, but called it “disappointing” that ministers had disagreed with its call to give businesses a transition period to adjust to what could be very disruptive changes.

He added: “It is reassuring, at least, that Defra appears to have belatedly awoken other departments – most importantly the Home Office – to the need for an action plan to reduce illegal meat imports.

“Ministers must know by now that this is a rapidly growing problem with potentially devastating consequences.”

Common ground

There were areas of agreement between the Efra committee’s recommendations and the government response.

These included animal welfare measures to prevent UK farmers being undercut by imports from countries with lower standards, as well as improvements to the Border Target Operating Model and public awareness of personal meat import rules.

In relation to plant protection products (PPPs), the government said: “The common understanding is clear that the European Commission should consult the UK at an early stage in the policymaking process and that the UK will contribute to decision-shaping for the areas in scope.”

The government response also suggests that there may be some areas where the UK will be able to “retain its own rules” such as precision breeding, although this is still subject to negotiation.