PM warned on 'destructive' food trade deal with the US

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned a comprehensive trade deal with the US under Donald Trump would "destroy our family farms and healthy food standards".

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

The prime minister has been urged to rule out any agreement with the Americans that includes food and farming, with farmers warning their industry is already facing huge challenges after Labour’s “tractor tax” which they say will do “irreparable damage to farming businesses”.

Thousands of farmers descended on London to protest the changes, announced by Rachel Reeves in October, which mean farms valued at £1m or more will be liable for 20 per cent inheritance tax.

And despite farmers gearing up for another mass tractor rally in the capital on 11 December, the outrage would pale in comparison to the backlash Sir Keir would face if he allowed American exports to undercut UK farmers by stocking chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef on Britain’s shelves.

The farmers are among family firms set to lay off more than 125,000 staff with less investment made over concerns for the inheritance plans, also impacting businesses, according to new data from pressure group Family Business UK (FBUK).

Liz Webster, founder of the Save British Farming campaign group, told The Independent Sir Keir “doesn’t have a mandate for a US deal” and pointed to the PM’s promise to negotiate a veterinary agreement covering food and farm products with the EU.