Issue Stricter import controls versus trading partnerships

Summary

The report anticipates that the UK could take a tougher line on imports in order to protect agriculture, forestry and biodiversity. Such a choice would come at the cost of narrower trading partnerships. The tension stems from the report's view that international trade and travel are major entry routes for plant pests. As imports of trees and outdoor plants grow, so could the risk of pests like ash dieback arriving. At the same time the report credits trade with widening access to cheaper goods and services, so the balance between biosecurity and trade gains becomes the central question. The report also points to international cooperation, such as the UK action plan for plant health, as a way to strengthen global biosecurity.