The UK’s new business secretary has opened the door to greater trading with Europe as key ministers began their work in earnest following Labour’s landslide election victory in July.
Jonathan Reynolds told Sky’s Trevor Phillips that negotiations could take place with EU leaders in the wake of the change of power in Westminster.
“On things like food and agricultural products, where we have the same standards, removing barriers to trade makes sense,” he said.
“If we can sell more whisky and salmon to a market that is so significant to us then of course we should explore that.”
Reynolds also met British Independent Retailers Association chief executive Andrew Goodacre within his first few days in office. As well as pledging to focus on enhancing export opportunities, the business secretary said he aimed to boost productivity, improve cash flow to small businesses and create better working conditions.
Goodacre said that it was encouraging to know that supporting small business was a priority.
“I am looking forward to further discussions to make this a reality for indie retailers by reducing the cost of running a shop through business rates reform, reducing retail crime and encouraging investment in our high streets,” he said.
Meanwhile new food and environment secretary Steve Reed said supporting farmers and boosting Britain’s food security was a “priority”.
“We’ll cut through border red tape to boost British food exports,” the minister said in a video posted to social media. “Using government purchasing power will ensure local produce in public institutions.”
National Farmers’ Union president Tom Bradshaw met Reed in his first week in office and said priorities should include “securing the investment required to deliver for food security” as well as “seasonal workers and import controls”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said economic growth was a “national mission” as she took the helm of the nation’s finances. She promised no increases in VAT, National Insurance or the basic, higher or additional rates of Income Tax.
“We will work closely with our national, regional and local leaders to power growth in every part of Britain,” she added.
Labour’s manifesto committed to banning advertising of junk food to children as well as the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. The party also promised “visible neighbourhood policing” and said it would create a specific offence for assaults on shop workers.
This article first appeared in the August 2024 edition of Fine Food Digest.
