Exclusive: Animal welfare charities ‘bitterly disappointed’ that Labour plans to backtrack on manifesto commitments
The government is to break a manifesto commitment to ban foie gras imports, and has declined to stop fur imports, after the EU made these red lines in its discussions for a trade deal.
Animal welfare charities say they are “bitterly disappointed” that ministers are failing to use powers granted by Brexit to restrict the import of these “cruel” items.
Sources close to the discussions between the UK and EU said the UK was ready to drop the foie gras import ban, as there were other sticking points of higher priority, such as precision breeding of crops. Ministers say that is more likely to boost the economy than banning imports of foie gras and fur.
The government left a foie gras ban out of its recently launched animal welfare plan. It also released its response to a consultation on a fur ban at the end of last month. Despite 97% of respondents saying it was wrong for animals to be killed for the sake of their fur, and that the vast majority of those surveyed wanted a ban, ministers did not commit to import restrictions, and are instead setting up a working group to look into the fur industry.
