I've had time to compose myself since George Eustice on #bbcr4today described no deal (or "an Australian style deal") as a good outcome for the UK. To be clear, quite aside from the consequences for the economy, this would be seriously bad outcome for our environment. 1/

It risks disaster for UK farming, particularly the uplands. This will make it much harder to achieve a transition to more sustainable farming practices. 2/

We do not have independent bodies in any of the four nations capable of upholding environmental law & there would be increased pressure to strike quick trade deals with countries keen to undermine UK environmental standards. Are we to trust Trump & Truss? 3/

We will face queues, chaos & air pollution around our ports - and presumably lots of new lorry parks. As a resident of beautiful Kent, I declare a particular interest.
https://twitter.com/ShaunSpiers1/status/1301801992021475328 4/

And lest we forget, the UK faces a huge task to achieve net zero & host a successful COP26 (see today's @instituteforgov report). Economic crisis + acrimony between the UK & EU will make both tasks harder. 5/

Both the UK & the EU are keen to show leadership on climate & the environment. They should be forging a future environmental partnership & negotiating a deal based on high standards.

Both sides should tone down the rhetoric & accept that deals always require compromise!
6/6