IMTA Response to Calling of a General Election

With the shock calling of a UK General Election for the 4th of July, IMTA will be keen to see the manifestos of the major political parties when they are published. Members will be particularly interested to see what might be in store on trade policy. As set out in our infographics, two-way trade is essential for the meat sector.

We have already set out our key asks for the next government in our own IMTA Manifesto 2024.

These are our top five asks:

Import - The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and future changes to import controls must be proportionate and trade facilitative.

Export - The next government should continue investments in increasing UK food and drink exports. The UK should seek to make trade with the EU easier through a bespoke agreement on veterinary issues which removes some of the current SPS barriers to export.

Northern Ireland - The next government must ensure meat will continue to be able to move as freely as possible within the UK Internal Market of GB and NI, including by implementing the joint EU-UK quota agreement.

Sustainability - IMTA strongly supports the transition to more sustainable supply chains. Policies should be implemented in a way that collaborates with supply chains to make delivery as clear and feasible as possible, with adequate preparation time.

Consultation - Government should consult with the widest possible range of stakeholders when legislating and developing policy. Many IMTA members are SMEs and play a vital role in supplying food to the UK consumer and facilitating our exports.

IMTA Strategy Director, Katrina Walsh, commented:

“We will be following the election with interest, particularly on what each of the major political parties has to say on key member issues such as trade policy, the border, food policy and sustainability. We hope that trade associations and members will still be able to receive answers on operational questions during the pre-election period of sensitivity, as ongoing engagement with officials is crucial on certain trade topics.’

IMTA is a UK trade association, representing predominantly UK companies importing and exporting meat. Our goal is the facilitation of the trade in meat ensuring UK consumer choice, food security and carcass balance through import and export. IMTA provides leading trade expertise on UK trade policy including on customs, tariffs, quotas, rules of origin, WTO, trade agreements, SPS conditions and market access.