The UK must be at the heart of the European Union to get the best deal for UK food producers. The food and farming sector represents one in every seven jobs in the UK, and the EU is vital for UK exports both to the EU and beyond.
The last Labour government played a central and positive role for Britain in Europe, and the world. Yet the coalition is whinging on the sidelines: damaging our economic interests and the prosperous future of UK food producers.
The UK has an excellent standard of food production and iconic brands the world over that people want to buy and, while the EU market has stabilised, it still acquires 62 per cent, or close to £12bn, of UK food exports. Why would the government risk jeopardising our ability to freely trade with this market?
Many critics say, ‘we don’t need the EU, the future is in emerging markets’. There is some truth to this. What is also true is the EU recognises this trend. Last year EU agricultural trade with the US increased but the share of EU exports to the US fell to 14 per cent as the EU diversified its export base and expanded into other markets.
As the Tories continue their infighting over Europe they are missing opportunities the EU is providing its members as it opens up new markets, opportunities that will not be available if we leave. Exit would affect: a vital UK economic sector, £19bn in food exports, 3.2 million jobs, and 19 per cent of UK manufacturing output.
EU membership has become about more than direct and unfettered access to new markets, although this is still crucial. It is about the ability to influence and shape decisions in that market, or being outside and being told what to do; about communicating the needs of UK farmers and food producers allowing them to prosper and maximise their potential; about enjoying the benefits from major EU free-trade negotiations or watching helplessly from the sidelines
Already the EU has negotiated a series of free trade agreements with South Korea, Mexico and South Africa which are boosting UK products abroad. In 2012 UK food exports to South Africa were up 22 per cent on the year before, and the South Korean FTA notably eliminated the 20 per cent import tariff on spirits for all EU members. Beyond these agreements the EU is in the process of launching, negotiating, or finalising FTAs with the United States, Canada, Japan, India and a number of ASEAN countries.
There has never been a more crucial time to be part of the EU for the UK food and farming sector. As the EU begins to open up new markets and negotiate FTAs for its members it is vital the UK takes advantage through positive engagement, and that Labour raises the standard of debate on Europe, speaking to the benefits of membership and questioning the Tory tactic of pandering to the island mentality in the party.
The best interests of the UK food and farming sector are served by a government at the heart of Europe that is what Labour will provide.
Those who wish to leave the EU should be careful what they wish for.
—————————————————————————————
Huw Irranca-Davies MP is Labour’s shadow farming minister. He tweets @IrrancaDaviesMP
—————————————————————————————