The UK has moved to alter the scheduling of talks on some possible reforms affecting the food industry after an appeal from business amid the pressure of preparing for Brexit.
Last week, it emerged the UK food sector had called on the country’s Government to put consultations over possible reform in the areas of health and the environment on hold to allow companies to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
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More than 30 associations representing food and drink manufacturers doing business in the UK want the country’s government to “pause” live or expected consultation on issues such as water management, national recycling, a possible tax on plastic items and restrictions on advertising.
In a letter to Michael Gove, the UK’s Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the associations said their members did not have the “bandwidth” to work on the consultations and, at the same time, on preparing for the country leaving the EU without a deal in place.
Today, Sky News reported Gove had agreed to changes to the consultation timetables on some of the reform packages, although he said others were in the domain of other government departments.
In a letter to trade organisations seen by Sky News, Gove said the UK had “already decided not to consult imminently on the chemicals and pesticides strategies”.
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By GlobalDataHe explained the Government was “exploring options on environmental targets but we do not plan to initiate a consultation on this before summer recess”.
And Gove said the Government would ensure three consultations relating to resources and waste – including a deposit-return scheme for England and Wales and a tax on plastic items with less than 30% recycled content, announced today – would end in May, rather than April.
“We do need to consult in order to ensure the policies are ready for introduction in the Environment Bill, but I hope the extension to these consultations will be welcome.”
In their letter to Gove, the 30 organisations had listed a consultation they were expecting that was not related to the environment, that on restrictions to the advertising of food and beverages high in fat, sugar and salt.
The minister told the trade bodies the consultation was not the responsibility of his department but said he had “asked my officials to explore whether changes can be made”.
The Food and Drink Federation, the industry association representing food and soft-drink manufacturers operating in the UK, confirmed the details of the letter when approached by just-food.
