Farmers in Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg’s constituency have expressed their disbelief over his willingness to allow hormone-injected beef to enter the UK.
The former business secretary told Conservatives he favoured ending the ban on using hormones in cattle in a bid for cheaper imported beef.
He said “free trade is beneficial to everyone” in reference to a new trade deal with Australia and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which could see UK farm standards watered down in crucial areas.
“It’s beneficial for consumer because it decreases price, it’s beneficial for the producer, it increases productivity and efficiency,” he added.
But farmers in his constituency have expressed anger over the statement, with almost a dozen writing to the MP since the Conservative Party Conference earlier in October.
One, Andrew Wear, said: “It’s worrying, really. He lives in a beautiful area, surely he should have some forethought on what he is saying to reflect what his constituents are trying to achieve.
“Many of us are part of the farming community in Somerset – it is really quite shameful he comes out with such comments.”
“We hope the consumer appreciates they are getting food that is really helpful for them. Not just mass-produced, anything, put into their diet.
“We want cheap food in the UK… but we don’t want it in jeopardy to the environment, to the livestock or to the consumer who’s eating that food.”
The president of the National Farmers’ Union, Wiltshire’s Minette Batters, said: “Unbelievable… an absolute desire to annihilate British agriculture – totally and utterly morally bankrupt.”
Hormone-treated beef was banned in Britain 34 years ago following public concern.
The government has indicated it has no plans to change the rules which prevent its importation.
