Today, the minister for agriculture has indicated his support of taxes on meat and other high-polluting foodstuffs that contribute to global climate change.
George Eustice, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs secretary, said that the government is currently working on a tax system to support the food sector.
According to the Telegraph, he stated that the government’s plan includes the most significant contributors to global warming such as meat and milk.
Tomorrow’s Cop26 summit in Glasgow will be addressed by Mr Eustice. He stated that the UK would need to “move into the realms” of carbon taxes after EU agricultural subsidies are phased off.
The government hopes that high polluters will be taxed so that emissions can be reduced and British farmers can compete with post-Brexit imports.
A new tax could raise the price of red meat even more.
George Eustice, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary (pictured), said that the government is already working to create a tax system for food sector.
According to government modeling, Mr Eustice stated that prices will rise by 10% in the next five year.
He said that restructuring the £3.5 billion EU agricultural subsidies will allow farmers to produce higher welfare and food which is better for the environment over the next seven years
He said, “But beyond that, you then begin to move into areas like carbon taxes.” We need to start thinking about it now.
Boris Johnson also compared climate change with the Roman Empire, warning that modern civilisation could fall if the world fails to make progress in combating climate change.
As the Prime Minister landed in Rome last evening for the G20 summit, he spoke these words.
The government hopes that imposing taxes on high polluting animals like meat and milk will reduce emissions and allow British farmers to compete with post-Brexit imports. (stock images
Johnson stated that being in Rome should serve to remind people that they can move forwards and backwards.
He said that unless the entire world works together to address climate change, civilisation will suffer.
He compared climate change to an opponent, and used a football analogy to explain that humanity is ‘5-1 down at half-time against global heating.
The government’s carbon taxation plan would be in effect after 2027 when the Brexit transition period for agricultural subsidiaries will have ended.
Mr Eustice stated that carbon border taxes will be introduced to encourage countries like Australia, which are known for their high greenhouse gas emissions.
He stated that if other countries fail to do their part to reduce their emissions, it would have to be reflected on international trade.
Mr Eustice confirmed, that the Treasury department and the business department are working together to address the issue.
Boris Johnson compared climate change to the Roman Empire and warned that modern civilisations could be destroyed if the world doesn’t make progress in combating climate change. The Prime Minister spoke as he arrived in Rome last evening for the G20 summit (pictured).
It all depends on the UK’s first carbon emissions trading.
British meat would be more affordable than imported meat under the government’s taxation plan. This is because it would be less polluting.
The UK’s farmers claim that the government is ‘undermining” efforts to produce more sustainable food through trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.
Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers Union, stated that the UK is open to significant additional imports.
She stated that these imports may be not produced to the same standards, which could damage British agriculture.
Minette Batters, president of National Farmers’ Union (pictured), stated that the UK is opening up for significant additional imports. (file photo).
Mr Eustice believes that trade deals will lead to higher imports but not replace others from the EU.
He states that agricultural imports would not have quota free tariffs in more than 15 years and that consumer preference might shift to high-welfare British goods during that time.
Mr Eustice stated people shouldn’t be forced to eat vegans, but that they should eat less meat and better quality.
He also said that restaurants should clearly state on their menus where and how their food was made.