Which? responds to the Trade and Agriculture Commission's report on the Australia free trade agreement

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Rights and Food Policy, said: "Our research is clear - people expect the government to maintain food standards through its trade negotiations. A recent Which? survey found that the vast majority of UK consumers think the same food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards should apply to imported and domestic food. "The Trade and Agriculture Commission's report advises that under the Australia free trade agreement the UK has the ability to regulate to uphold food standards for imports across key areas. The provisions in relation to animal welfare and environmental protection enhance its ability to do this compared to World Trade Organisation obligations alone. "The government must therefore take account of this advice, as well as the original Trade and Agriculture Commission report which recommended it establish core standards to be applied to imports through trade deals. It must demonstrate to consumers that it will uphold the standards and protections that they expect with Australia and in all trade negotiations."