UK environment secretary Michael Gove will reiterate his support for the current Brexit deal which include a backstop arrangement for Northern Ireland, in a speech he’s due to give at the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Birmingham on 19 February.

Gove will outline the significant impact a no-deal Brexit could have on upland farmers, where WTO tariffs could be as high as 40% on sheep meat and beef.

He’ll also stress that the UK government won’t sell out UK food standards “in pursuit of trade deals”.

We have been clear that we will not lower our standards in pursuit of trade deals

There has been a fear that the UK could import hormone-fed beef or chicken washed in chlorine post-Brexit, especially from the US.

However, Gove will insist that this will not happen.

“We have been clear that we will not lower our standards in pursuit of trade deals, and that we will use the tools we have at our disposal – tariffs, quotas and legislation – to make sure standards are protected and you are not left at a competitive disadvantage,” Gove will say.

Boohoo

In the wake of clothes retailer Boohoo’s u-turn on selling products made with wool after Peta's campaign and Veganuary highlighted good animal welfare on farms is paramount to the industry.

Ahead of the conference, Minette Batters president of the NFU told Sky News that animal welfare standards must be maintained in the UK and the Environment Secretary will give his backing to upholding current welfare and food standards once the UK leaves the EU.

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