Liberal Democrats Leader Sir Ed Davey said it was 'really worrying' that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would not commit to a vote in Parliament on a Trump trade deal.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out a vote amongst MPs should the UK agree to a trade deal with US President Donald Trump, causing concern that farmers could be 'undercut' by imports of food produced to a lower standard.
During Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday (April 23), Sir Keir confirmed an agreement between the UK and US is drawing closer to fruition.
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Reform's backing for chlorine-washed chicken
However, Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage has created considerable consternation amongst British farmers that their impeccable high standards could be compromised after he publicly backed a deal which could allow chlorinated chicken to enter the UK market.听
Trump trade deal concern
Liberal Democrats Leader Sir Ed Davey had asked Sir Keir during PMQs if he would allow MPs to have a vote on a US-UK trade deal once it was agreed.
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Sir Ed had visited Merton Mead 51AV视频in Oxfordshire last week to see 'world-class' British beef farmers at work and to hear about their concerns of what a US-UK trade deal could mean for their businesses.
'Undercutting' British farmers
"Farmers want him [Sir Keir] to be careful in a trade deal with Donald Trump," he added.
"They were let down by the Conservatives' appalling deals and they worry a bad trade deal could see American agri-business undercut them with inferior meat.
"Will the Prime Minister guarantee a vote in this House on any trade deal he agrees with the US?"
However, Sir Keir dismissed any potential vote if a trade deal, even if it was to include chlorinated chicken.
'High animal welfare standards'
Sir Keir Starmer said: "He [Sir Ed] raises a really important point of interest for farmers.
"We will negotiate in the national interest and uphold the highest animal welfare standards.
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"We are making progress on that and there will be a process if a deal is reached."
Sir Ed, speaking after his appearance in the House of Commons, said it was 'really worrying' that Sir Keir would not commit to a vote in Parliament on a Trump trade deal.
He added: "If the Government really thinks it is a good deal for Britain, what are they so afraid of?"
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