Consumer groups are strongly opposed to any tariffs being put on food coming into the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit, saying it increase prices, and send the wrong signals to other potential trading partners.
The comments follow pledges made by Defra secretary Michael Gove to introduce tariffs on some food imports, in order to provide protection from cheap imports.
A formal announcement was said to be “imminent”, although a week later there has been no sign of it. The delays have been widely interpreted as evidence of a continuing spat within cabinet between those who want cheap food for consumers, and those who want to support farmers.
A report issued by government on 26 February into the effects of a no-deal Brexit gave no further details of possible import tariffs.
