The government is likely to drop a promised ban on imports of fur and foie gras because of opposition within the Cabinet.
The policies were set to be included in new animal welfare legislation, but several ministers are reported to have raised concerns about the plan.
Jacob Rees-Mogg – who has just been prompted to Cabinet as Brexit Opportunities Minister – is said to be among opponents of the changes.
Farmers in the UK are already banned from producing foie gras because it involves force-feeding ducks and geese in order to fatten their liver – but the food can still be imported from abroad.
Fur farming has also been illegal in the UK since 2000 but campaigners have long pushed for an import ban on farmed fur produced in other countries.
The government’s Animals Abroad Bill was expected to include the two trade bans as a way of improving animal welfare, but it has been held up by disagreements within government.
It is also supposed to include other measures to help animals living in other countries such as restrictions on trophy hunting and holidays that lead to the neglect of animals.
Ministers have confirmed that they will go ahead with the trophy hunting aspect of the bills but the BBC reports that action and foie gras and imported fur are likely to be ditched.
Mr Rees-Mogg, the Brexit opportunities minister, is said to be opposed to the bans because he believes people should have the choice to buy products produced in cruel ways if they wish.
Other ministers including Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace have also raised concerns that a fur ban could ban the import of bear fur hats worn by Guardsmen soldiers.
Environment minister Lord Goldsmith had previously said last year that the government would legislate for the bans at “the earliest possible slot”.
But a spokesperson for the government now says no final decision has been taken, adding: “This government is united in 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.”
Responding to the news of a likely U-turn, a spokesperson for the British Fur Trade Association said: “We’ve said all along that a fur ban would make no difference to animal welfare, is not supported by the vast majority of the British people, would result in thousands of job losses, disrupt trade including between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK and damage consumer choice.
“We are pleased that sensible members of the Government have listened to our concerns and have decided not to pursue such an unworkable and damaging step despite the shrill unevidenced calls of animal rights activists.
“It should be for people themselves to decide if they wish to buy and wear fur not the Government, acting like a wardrobe police, telling people what they should and should not wear. The Government should now engage with us on the comprehensive welfare schemes already in place to deliver on our shared goals around animal welfare.”
