Ministers set to drop UK ban on foie gras and fur imports

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Plans to ban imports of fur and foie gras are likely to be dropped by the UK government.

The measures were going to be included in the bill.

Several cabinet ministers have different concerns about the proposal.

The government said a final decision had not been made, but sources said the measures would be parked to allow other parts of the bill to progress.

The government is united in its commitment to uphold its world-leading standards in animal welfare, according to a spokesman.

Foie gras, a luxury French food that involves force-feeding ducks or geese, is banned by British farmers because of its association with animal rights groups.

Since 2000, fur farming has been illegal in the UK, but there has been a push for an import ban.

The Animals Abroad Bill is one of three pieces of legislation the government has drafted.

Measures will be taken to crack down on hunting and holidays that lead to the neglect of animals like elephants.

The bill was delayed due to debate over how it would be enforced.

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In recent weeks, ministers have confirmed that they intend to ban the import of hunting trophy from threatened species.

A ban on fur imports is likely to be dropped from the legislation after a number of concerns raised by cabinet ministers.

Jacob Mogg has raised concerns about personal choice.

The government should not be imposing restrictions on consumers according to Mr Mogg.

The planned ban would have no impact on animal welfare in the UK according to him.

Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary, raised concerns that the measures would create different rules in different parts of the UK.

There were concerns about the Northern Ireland protocol, which is part of the UK's divorce deal with the EU, and which allows Northern Ireland to follow product rules from the EU.

Ben Wallace was concerned about banning the bear fur used by the military for the hats worn by Guardsmen.

The Canadian government runs a cull that Mr Wallace says is responsible.

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At the end of last year, Lord Goldsmith said the government would ban imports at the earliest possible time.

The Humane Society International UK's executive director said the government haswarm words about a ban, but the question is will they follow through with action.

I think a lot of people will be disappointed if they don't.

There can be a small number of influential Conservatives who want to be eating foie gras while wearing fur and going hunting, who apparently sway the government's decision-making.

People won't stand for that.

According to the executive director of Animal Equality UK, foie gras is cruel and could lead to disease in ducks and geese.

The UK government has been saying for a long time that they would like to ban the importation.

I think the ban is important to the animals that are suffering.

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The British Fur Trade Association said it would be difficult to enforce a ban.

The public of the UK will decide if they want to purchase fur. The public will not buy fur if they agree it is not a good product to wear.

The fur trade is always happy to work with the government to improve standards in the industry.

There was no final decision on imports.

They said that the government was committed to world-leading reforms to improve animal welfare in the UK and abroad, as well as to protect animals abroad as soon as possible.

The spokesman said that the government would build a clear evidence base to inform decisions on the import of foie gras.

They said that a recent call for evidence on fur products would be published soon and would inform future decisions on the fur trade.