The government has reportedly considered reversing an import ban on foie gras despite animal welfare concerns, the BBC has revealed.
The animals abroad bill was expected to introduce new rules which would illegalise foie gras and animal fur imports.
According to the BBC the regulations could be dropped after ministers, including Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, have raised concerns.
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Rees-Mogg has allegedly claimed that the government shouldn’t impose restrictions and that the ban would not alleviate animal welfare issues domestically.
Since 2000, it has been illegal to make foie gras in Britain due to the unethicality of force-feeding ducks or geese.
Ensuring the ban remains in the bill has also been vital for animal rights campaigners such as Humane Society International UK and Animal Equality UK.
While ministers have confirmed they intend to ban importing hunting trophies from threatened species, the bill has been delayed due to disagreements on foie gras importation.
Currently, a final decision hasn’t been made but the government has asserted its “commitment to upholding its world-leading standards in animal welfare”.
“Our action plan for animal welfare sets out the government’s vision to introduce a range of world-leading reforms to improve the welfare and conservation of animals at home and abroad.” A government spokesperson said.
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