CLA comments on UK-US trade framework

THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has commented on impact of the new UK-US trade framework on British agriculture, including tariff cuts and the maintenance of high standards. The UK and US announced a new trade framework on:- 8 May 2025.

This is not a comprehensive deal, with further developments expected. However, at this point it has several areas that will affect UK agriculture and CLA members.

Most significantly, the deal includes:- a reciprocal reduction in tariffs on beef exports. The US will now be able to export 13,000 metric tonnes (shipped weight) of beef into the UK tariff free. British beef exports to the US will also face a reduction in tariffs from up to 26% to 0% for the same quota.

In a call to the CLA prior to the announcement, Environment Secretary Steve Reed confirmed that there would be no reduction in:- environmental, food or sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards for any US beef imported into the UK. In addition, the deal does not include access to the UK poultry or pig markets. This will mean that American hormone treated beef and chlorinated chicken will remain off the UK market. The deal will also reduce the tariffs to 0% for 1.4bn of litres of American ethanol.

The CLA welcomes the protection of standards and the opportunity for agricultural exports into the US. However, states that the government must not slip on standards in future negotiations and needs to go further in supporting UK exporters into foreign markets.

CLA President Victoria Vyvyan said:- "With the limited information we currently have, it appears as if the Prime Minister has stuck to his word to protect Britain's world class standards. That's good news; for British farmers and for American families who'll now get the real thing:- British beef, raised properly. But this isn't job done. Further technical negotiations risk chipping away at the high standards we've fought for. What we now need is government to commit to working with industry to design a certification system that can ensure beef coming into the UK complies with our rules. We call on the UK Government to also work with industry to consider the impact of cheaper meat on the UK market, and how British producers might be protected from future price shocks."

Liverpool welcomes Europe

LIVERPOOL has welcomed dozens of EU Ambassadors, State Consul Generals and other dignitaries in a drive to become the most Europe facing City in the UK.

It follows an invitation to the EU27 Ambassadors by:- the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, supported by:- Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to mark Europe Day in the City.

Europe Day is celebrated across Europe on:- 9 May each year to commemorate the Schuman Declaration, which is considered the founding act of the European Union.

This event has been a significant opportunity for Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region to strengthen its ties with EU nations, promote Liverpool, as a leading Core City in international relations, and highlight UK Plc in a post Brexit context.

It showcased Liverpool's strengths in sectors including:- health and life sciences, creative and digital, advanced manufacturing, maritime and freeport, and net zero.

The guests included:- 12 Ambassadors, 8 Consul Generals; 9 Cultural Directors and Attaches; 12 EU27 Trade Councillors and Senior Chamber Officials; 8 Honorary Consuls.

A series of seminars took place, hosted by partner organisations including:- LJMU and the University of Liverpool, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool BID Company, and the Liverpool City Region Culture Network, including support from National Museums Liverpool.

The City aims to leverage the rich historical and cultural ties that Liverpool shares with Europe, and Europe with Liverpool, promoting opportunities for:- cultural and knowledge exchange, education, business and trade, inward investment and innovation.

It also saw the launch of the:- 'Liverpool European Festival,' independently organised and hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Piotr Wilczek, Lord Mayor Cllr Richard Kemp OBE, and Merseyside Polonia.

Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said:- "Liverpool has always been a proud European City, with rich European heritage and continental relationships, and I am delighted to welcome so many EU dignitaries to our City. European Capital of Culture in 2008 and showcased our artistic spirit and cultural diversity, whilst Eurovision 2023 exemplified our role as a place committed to a shared future with Europe. Bursting with imagination and pride, Liverpool is a City of firsts and a place of pioneers. We want to become the most Europe facing City in the UK, and the most welcoming, and the discussions we are holding today are the first step in achieving our ambition."

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:- "Liverpool is once again stepping onto the world stage - not just as a capital of culture, but of commerce, innovation and sustainability. At a time when so many are turning inwards, we're choosing to reach out; with our arms wide open to global partnership, progress, and opportunity. Europe Day is a powerful reminder of our international spirit and the vital role we can play in shaping a more open, connected future."

Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp, said:- "Liverpool has always been proud of its relationship with the European Union and in 2020 the Council voted to deepen its relationship with our closest neighbours. Liverpool Welcomes Europe will strengthen our relations and will lead to joint employment, educational, and cultural work, which will benefit both our City and Europe."

His Excellency Pedro Serrano, EU Ambassador to the UK, said:- "I am thrilled to be in Liverpool with many ambassadors from countries of the European Union to celebrate the economic, cultural and educational ties that bind Liverpool and the EU. This is the 1st time that we will mark Europe Day outside of the capital, a testament to the pivotal role that Cities like Liverpool play in fostering growth, innovation, and friendship between our citizens. The EU itself is more than a community of nations, but also of Cities and Regions, and we look forward to fostering the ties between the EU and this Region, in particular in view of the:- 19 May EU-United Kingdom Summit."

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CLA comments on UK-US trade framework

Liverpool welcomes Europe