PEERS have again signalled their discontent with the government’s stance on post-Brexit food standards in the Agriculture Bill.

Tory peers joined Labour and Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords to vote on Tuesday (20 October) to accept two amendments to the Agriculture Bill which seek to protect the livelihoods of British farmers.

The government was defeated by 282 votes to 244 on an amendment by Labour peer Lord Grantchester, which seeks to strengthen food standards for imported food, to ensure they are the same, or higher, than relevant UK food standards after the Brexit transition ends.

The amendment would require the government to report to parliament where negotiating objectives do not secure this.

Peers also voted by 278 votes to 200 to support an amendment by Lord Curry requiring the new Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) to submit reports on international trade agreements and their effect on farming for parliamentary scrutiny.