Committee publication · Correspondence · 4 June 2026
Letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State relating to an update on preparations for a future Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the European Union, 28 May
Summary
Baroness Hayman updates the Environmental Audit Committee on UK government preparations for a future Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the EU. The government is publishing sector-specific guidance to help businesses prepare, has established a 13-member SPS Readiness Business Advisory Council, and is analysing 489 responses to a March Call for Information. Negotiations are expected to conclude summer 2026, with further guidance to follow as negotiations progress.
Key findings
- Government publishing action-focused, sector-specific guidance on GOV.UK to help agrifood businesses prepare for SPS Agreement changes, including supply chain review and systems preparation.
- New SPS Readiness Business Advisory Council established with 13 UK businesses and trade bodies for regular consultation on implementation support.
- 489 responses received to March Call for Information being analysed to co-design support and guidance through mid-2027.
- EU negotiations expected to conclude summer 2026; current SPS arrangements present unnecessary costs, administrative burdens and delays at the border.
- Any legislative changes will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny; government committed to phased guidance publication as negotiations progress and implementation planning develops.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
trade-negotiationsbusiness-readinessagri-food-standardsregulatory-compliancepublic-consultation
Key actors
Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Toby Perkins MP, Environmental Audit Committee, UK Government (DEFRA), European Union
Notable line
“A future SPS Agreement with the EU is a priority for this Government and the benefits it can bring to businesses and consumers across the agri-food and related sectors, including producers …”
Key Quotes
“Current arrangements continue to present challenges, including unnecessary costs, administrative burdens and delays at the border.”
“We are acting on what we have clearly heard from businesses that they want practical information early, and we are committed to being transparent about what is known, what is not yet agreed, and when further clarity can be provided.”
“This guidance does not prejudge the outcome of negotiations, nor does it constitute final regulatory guidance.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗