House of Commons – Nov. 19, 2025

That this House welcomes the Government’s intent to rebuild ties with the European Union as set out at the May 2025 UK–EU Reset Summit, particularly the commitment to negotiate a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) agreement; regrets the delay in reaching this point, after the former Conservative Government failed to make this critical commitment; expresses concern that this commitment has not yet been accompanied by clear, substantive progress; acknowledges that closer alignment with the EU on SPS standards has been widely supported by the agri-food and horticultural sectors, recognising that such alignment would cut red tape for British businesses, reduce trade friction and enhance the competitiveness of UK exporters; notes that the proposed implementation date of 2027 would unnecessarily delay the securing of these benefits and maintain additional costs for longer for UK businesses; urges the Government to accelerate negotiations and seek to implement a SPS agreement by 2026, giving exporters greater certainty and reducing friction within the UK internal market between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and calls on the Government to ensure that swift SPS negotiations form part of wider negotiations on establishing a new, bespoke UK–EU customs union which would significantly cut red tape for UK business trading with Europe and strengthen economic growth at home.