Why Aligning Food Standards with the EU Is Good for British Business — And Doesn’t Undermine Sovereignty
As the UK edges toward realigning its food standards with the EU under the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, some voices have begun to raise tired concerns about sovereignty and "regulatory control." But let’s be honest: these arguments are political theatre, not economic strategy — and they ignore what matters most to real British businesses.
Aligning with EU food safety standards isn’t about “giving in.” It’s about getting in — into the single largest and closest export market the UK has. This alignment reduces costly border checks, eliminates duplicate paperwork, and gives British producers reliable, efficient access to European consumers. From Scottish seafood exporters to Midland’s food manufacturers, businesses stand to gain significantly from the removal of unnecessary trade friction.
Importantly, this isn’t Brussels making the rules. It’s a mutual recognition of shared standards — the kind the UK itself helped shape for decades. It’s cooperation, not capitulation.
Those arguing the opposite are not engaging in good faith. They’re not defending British sovereignty — they’re ignoring British business. SMEs, farmers, and producers need frictionless trade more than they need abstract political purity.
Alignment creates a level playing field, not a loss of independence.
If Britain wants to grow, export, and lead, they need to be pragmatic — not nostalgic.
The SPS agreement is a step toward common sense.
And business knows it.