News article
17 January 2017
FDF comment following Prime Minister's Brexit Plan Speech
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Following the Prime Minister's speech a short while ago, FDF has issued the
following statement:
FDF Director General Ian Wright CBE said:
“We welcome the fact that the Prime Minister has provided some much needed
additional clarity on her Government's approach to plans for the UK's EU exit.
“The food and drink industry is worth £108 billion to the UK economy. Two thirds
of food and drink exports go the EU. So we welcome the Prime Minister's
commitment to securing the freest and simplest possible trade arrangements with
the EU.
We are also encouraged that the PM hopes to adopt a phased approach to Brexit
which offers businesses time to prepare and plan as opposed to a potentially
fatal
jump from the cliff edge.
“In addition to its huge economic contribution the food and drink industry is at
the heart of our national security and our national infrastructure. It must be
a
top priority in any consideration of sectoral deals with the EU.
“We understand the Prime Minister's wish to control immigration and attract the
brightest and best global talent. Our industry also needs access to workers
with
a range of skills - some not widely available in the UK - so we welcome the
assurances for current EU workers and look forward to understanding better how
her
proposals will impact on future access to skilled and semi-skilled workers from
the EU.
“On Ireland, there is a complete co-dependency in food and drink production
between the UK and Republic of Ireland. We urge the Government to find a
practical
solution which avoids the introduction of any kind of 'hard' land border which
would damage both economies.
“Finally, we continue to urge the government to ensure that any proposed changes
to food and drink regulation as between the UK and EU – and across the devolved
administrations of the UK – are identified well in advance and are subject to
detailed consultation with industry to maintain consumer confidence in the UK's
world-leading food industry.”
More Information
For more information, please contact the FDF press office on 020 7420 7110, press.office@fdf.org.uk.
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