News

FDF responds to speech

7 Oct 2016

Ian Wright, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation, the voice of the UK's food and drink sector, has responded to a speech from Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Responding to the speech from Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, at the UK Conservative Party’s Conference, Ian Wright, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation, the voice of the UK's food and drink sector, said:

“The Secretary of State's confidence in our sector and optimism for the future are heartening. As discussions regarding Britain exiting the EU begin, this country's 6,500 plus food and drink producers are looking to their ambassadors in Government to secure a workable future relationship with the EU.”

“As the UK's largest manufacturing sector, employing 400,000 people across the UK and contributing £21.9bn to the UK economy, our industry is a major national asset and the envy of the world.”

“Our industry requires a stable economic environment in order to remain competitive as we look to continue increasing levels of productivity, growing exports to exceed the £12.3bn figure achieved in 2015 and trebling our apprenticeship workforce by 2020.”

“We remain committed on the need for Government to recognise the strategic importance of our industry in EU exit negotiations, in the face of resulting uncertainty following the decision to leave the EU. We offer our expertise and insight to the Secretary of State and share her enthusiasm for our vibrant industry.”