MPs call for clarity over post-Brexit border checks on EU plant and food products

Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks were due to start next week but committee raises concerns over delays to plan

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MPs have cast doubt over the UK government’s readiness for post-Brexit border control checks, which are due to come in next week, arguing that a scaling back of its plans appeared to represent a sixth delay to their long-awaited introduction.

The environment, food and rural affairs select committee (EFRA) has written to the government demanding clarity over the exact nature of the physical inspections on plant and food products, after it emerged these may be significantly scaled back due to fears of delays at the border.