The UK-EU dispute over sandeels
On 28 to 30 January 2025, the EU and the UK will take part in an arbitration hearing in The Hague in a dispute over the UK ban on sandeel fishing in its waters.

This note deals with several issues related to horticulture, including the problem of invasive species and the supply of foreign workers
Horticulture and Orchards (80 KB , PDF)
• This note describes the background of the horticulture industry, and some policy areas involving it. Planning issues arising from polytunnels are covered in another note, Farm Diversification, Countryside and Planning (SN/SC/3158).
• Horticulture did not benefit from the traditional Common Agricultural Policy. However, the 2003 reform brought horticulture within the Single Farm Payment System.
• Seasonal labour shortage is often a problem for horticulture, with the industry relying heavily upon temporary immigration. That has operated under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme. However, that scheme has been considerably reduced in scope, partly because of the expansion of the European Union and is now limited to those from Romania and Bulgaria.
• There has been concern that gardeners buy exotic foreign plants to create a special effect. If the plants spread, they may lack natural predators and become a pest. The Labour Government introduced a code of practice.
Horticulture and Orchards (80 KB , PDF)
On 28 to 30 January 2025, the EU and the UK will take part in an arbitration hearing in The Hague in a dispute over the UK ban on sandeel fishing in its waters.
At the Autumn 2024 Budget, the government announced that, from April 2026, it would restrict the inheritance tax relief available for agricultural and business property. There has been significant debate over how many farms and other businesses this measure would affect.
A debate has been scheduled in Westminster Hall for 2.30pm on 3 December on family farming in Devon. The debate will be opened by Sir Geoffrey Cox MP.