A petition urging the UK Government to protect farmers in future trade deals has been signed by more than 17,000 people.
The petition, launched by the NFU, urges government to commit in law that food that would be illegal to produce in the UK will not be imported as part of future trade deals.
“This is yet another clear signal that the public do not want to see food on their plates that has been produced far below the high standards they expect of British farmers,” said NFU president Minette Batters.
“Thousands of people have demonstrated their support for government legislating that our high standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety will not be compromised by imports.
“I would urge anyone who shares these values to sign this petition and send a simple message to government that they want all food eaten in the UK, whether it is in our homes, schools, hospitals, restaurants or shops, to match the high standards expected of our farmers.”
