Eagle dismisses smoky bacon crisp labelling concern

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle dismissed suggestions that a proposed UK-EU food agreement could force smoky bacon crisps to change their name, telling Times Radio host Stig Abell to “get a life” when he asked about the possibility. The agreement’s terms are still being negotiated ahead of a UK-EU summit scheduled for November 20, and reports have not established that it would require a labelling change. Eagle compared the concern with claims about “straight bananas” during the Brexit debate. She said closer alignment with the EU was intended to reduce barriers for British farmers and food producers exporting to Europe, and argued that easing trade could support economic growth. The possible effect on crisp labelling remains a concern raised in reporting, not a confirmed provision of the proposed deal. The food and farming agreement is one of three arrangements expected to be discussed at the summit, alongside emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme. Negotiations remain under way. A draft sanitary and phytosanitary trade agreement described in reporting would remove some checks on food and drink exports, while requiring the UK to observe or adapt to EU rules on plant,...