Reaction to Chequers Meeting Brexit Statement

Throughout the Brexit debate the BMPA has consistently campaigned for frictionless borders with the EU. Frictionless trade with the EU is vitally important for business efficiency and to ensure that consumers can buy food at sustainable prices and have a wide selection to choose from. So we welcome the proposals that have come out of the cabinet meeting on Friday and we look forward to seeing further detail as soon as possible.

Time is of the essence now and we hope that negotiations and agreements will be reached quickly so that our businesses can begin to plan for the future.

The ability to import essential ingredients and raw materials, and to export our finished products to the EU, our biggest market, has been a crucial factor in developing the successful supply chains that we have in this country.

During the last few weeks the CO2 shortage has demonstrated just how fragile the food supply chain can be. The sooner we are able to understand the future processes and trading arrangement the easier it will be to plan for the future, sustain our industry and ensure sustainable food supplies to the consumer.

BMPA will continue to work closely with government to get the best possible arrangements for our businesses and the consumer.