Eustice shoots down NFU hopes of beefed up Trade Commission

Mr Eustice, however, was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the Government’s position would change, claiming Ministers would be ‘very unlikely’ to accept amendments to the Bill.

He did say Ms Truss was considering how the commission could have a more formal role in policy formation, but reiterated his earlier view that the body would have no legal responsibilities.

Other amendments passed by the Lords which the Government is likely to reject include one tabled by Lord Granchester, which would require all food imported as part of trade deals to match the UK’s standards.

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis has previously claimed such a move would threaten the UK’s food security, because it would prevent current imports from places such as the EU from entering the country.

She also said domestic legislation in this area would be unenforceable, because the UK would have no way to check conditions on farms elsewhere in the world, and suggested this kind of law would be open to challenge at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).