Thank you for emailing me about the UK’s application to join the CPTPP and standards on pesticides.
The Government has been clear that it will not sign trade deals that compromise the UK’s high environmental, food, and animal welfare standards. Decisions on standards, including on pesticides, will remain a matter for the UK Government and the devolved administrations.
All agri-food products imported into the UK from overseas under current and future free trade agreements will have to comply with our import requirements. The use of pesticides, more broadly, is based on scientific assessments. Pesticides which pose unacceptable risks to people and the environment will not be authorised for use.
I believe that joining the CPTPP will provide new opportunities for British businesses. The CPTPP is a £9 trillion partnership and UK trade with the group has grown by 8 per cent a year since 2016. An agreement would improve access to fast-growing economies such as Mexico, Malaysia and Vietnam. Unlike membership of the EU, we would not be required to cede control over our laws.
I can assure you that the UK will only accede to the CPTPP on terms that are compatible with our broader interests and domestic priorities. I will continue to follow the progress on joining the CPTPP closely.
Thank you again for contacting me.