Responding to today’s speech by EU Relations Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds – William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

“A strong agri-food deal will remove costs, red tape and delays for UK businesses trading in food and plant products with the European Union.  

“Firms have spent staggering £60m a year on export health certificates since 2021. Removing these costs will reduce inflationary pressures and make supply chains more secure. 

“A permanent deal with the EU can’t come soon enough for UK firms. In the talks ahead ministers must deliver a deal that truly unburdens business and cuts costs. Consumers will then reap the benefits in their shopping baskets.  

“Making trade with the EU quicker, cheaper and simpler is crucial to boosting economic growth in the years ahead.”