News article
24 December 2020
Food and Drink Federation response to Brexit deal announcement
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Commenting on today's news that a trade agreement with the EU has been concluded
and
will be in place before 31 December, FDF chief executive Ian Wright CBE said:
“UK food and drink is breathing a sigh of relief that we have a deal but we will
hold the celebrations
until we have scrutinised the detail. We must first answer key questions about
which individual sectors of
the industry will be unable to access the EU market without facing tariffs under
the agreed rules of origin.
“We welcome the prospect of a more constructive approach to enforcing new rules,
on both sides of
the border. We hope for a much more collaborative relationship between London
and member states
with the minimisation of disruption at the border due to new trade frictions
introduced as a priority.
“The Prime Minister promised UK businesses over a year of transition in which to
adapt to a new set
of rules. He has delivered us four working days. Food and drink manufacturers
will do their best to keep
food flowing. However, this week's chaos at Dover and the last gasp nature of
this deal means that there
will be significant disruption to supply and some prices will rise. Disappointed
shoppers and consumers
will rightly ask why a deal had to take so long.”
More information
To speak to one of the FDF media team please call 0207 420 7140
or email press.office@fdf.org.uk.
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