UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement

That this House welcomes the Government’s intent to rebuild ties with the European Union as set out at the May 2025 UK–EU Reset Summit, particularly the commitment to negotiate a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) agreement; regrets the delay in reaching this point, after the former Conservative Government failed to make this critical commitment; expresses concern that this commitment has not yet been accompanied by clear, substantive progress; acknowledges that closer alignment with the EU on SPS standards has been widely supported by the agri-food and horticultural sectors, recognising that such alignment would cut red tape for British businesses, reduce trade friction and enhance the competitiveness of UK exporters; notes that the proposed implementation date of 2027 would unnecessarily delay the securing of these benefits and maintain additional costs for longer for UK businesses; urges the Government to accelerate negotiations and seek to implement a SPS agreement by 2026, giving exporters greater certainty and reducing friction within the UK internal market between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and calls on the Government to ensure that swift SPS negotiations form part of wider negotiations on establishing a new, bespoke UK–EU customs union which would significantly cut red tape for UK business trading with Europe and strengthen economic growth at home.