Tariffs for most food imports to stay up in no-deal Brexit, but concerns over cereals

“The NFU and others have made strong arguments about the need in such an eventuality to secure strong tariff protection, and in particular, stronger protection for British farming over any other sector of the economy.

“In particular, you have argued we need tariffs on sheepmeat, beef, poultry, dairy, like milk and cheese and pigmeat, in order to safeguard our valuable domestic production.

“Your concerns have absolutely been heard.”

The Secretary of State went on to say he ‘would not hesitate’ to provide direct cash support for the most vulnerable sectors on top of tariff protection.

Disappointing

But for farmers in the arable sector, there was more disappointing news.

In response to a question from NFU crops board chair Tom Bradshaw, who said the combinable crops sector would lose £300 million a year if the UK Government were to unilaterally drop tariffs in this area, Mr Gove said some ‘unpalatable’ choices had to be made because a no-deal situation posed challenges.

“I hope when we make our announcement we can pick up the conversation then, and you can understand why Government has had to make the decision in the way it has,” he added.

“That decision has not yet been confirmed, it should be confirmed at a meeting tomorrow afternoon then an announcement will be made.”