Farming and fishing

The UK is in the process of negotiating its exit from the EU, and as part of that the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This paper provides an overview of how fisheries are currently managed in the UK within the CFP.

Brexit requires the UK to have a new agriculture policy. The Agriculture Bill 2017-19 (HC Bill 266) was published on 12 September 2018. Second Reading of the Bill in the House of Commons is scheduled for Wednesday 10 October 2018.

What do we still not know about the Brexit process or the withdrawal agreement with the EU that is currently being negotiated? This paper looks at some of the main unknowns.

Brexit requires the UK to have a new agriculture policy. The UK Government and devolved legislatures have set out proposals for supporting farmers whilst enhancing the environment. This Commons Library briefing has been updated ahead of publication of an Agriculture Bill in order to set out the policy context. The Library will provide distinct briefing on the Bill ahead of its Second Reading.

The Government published its White Paper on future relations between the UK and the EU on 12 July. It envisages a 'common rulebook' to facilitate 'frictionless' trade, and among other things, UK cooperation in security matters, a commitment to maintain high environmental, data and consumer protection standards, UK participation in some EU agencies and solutions to the Irish border issues - all underpinned by a new governance structure that will pay "due regard" to the EU Court. Would the White Paper proposals work and do they respect both UK sovereignty and the indivisibility of the EU Single Market? David Davis's 'alternative' white paper proposes a somewhat different future relationship. This paper looks at proposals in both documents.

This Commons Library Briefing Paper examines water quality in the UK, including EU requirements and potential impacts of Brexit. It sets out some key facts and figures for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, explains how water quality is measured and discusses action being taken by the Government to manage and improve water quality.

A Westminster Hall debate entitled "Government policy on visas for non-EEA workers on inshore fishing vessels" is scheduled for Tuesday 17 July at 9.30am. The Member leading the debate is Douglas Ross MP.

A briefing on the Non-Domestic Rating (Nursery Grounds) Bill 2017-19, which will establish that plant nurseries are exempt from business rates.

Brexit negotiations have resumed and this third phase will cover issues outstanding from the last phases - the Irish border in particular - and the framework for future EU-UK relations. This paper looks at how the EU and the UK envisage their relationship after Brexit.

The Government is committed to eradicating bovine TB and sees badger culling as central to this. Badger culling has taken place in England since 2011, firstly as pilots and then as a part of a wider bovine TB eradication strategy. Controlled shooting of badgers was trialed in Gloucestershire and Somerset in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, a badger cull continued in these two areas and was extended to a third area in Dorset. In 2016 the cull was extended to 7new areas, and 11 more were added in 2017.

The Commission published a draft legal text of the withdrawal agreement in February 2018 and an updated draft on 15 March. On 19 March a third text was published which showed where there is full agreement between the EU and the UK, where there is agreement in principle and where there is no agreement. This paper looks at the recent draft, making reference to earlier drafts where relevant.

A Backbench Business Committee debate on a motion on Seasonal migrant workers is scheduled for Thursday 1 March 2018. The Member leading the debate is Kirstene Hair MP.

This pack has been prepared ahead of the debate to be held in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 27 February from 2.30-4pm on UK future fisheries policy. The debate will be opened by Scott Mann MP.