“Outrageous” - that’s how Metro Mayor Dan Norris described reports that a ban on the import of fur and foie gras will be scrapped by the new Prime Minister.

Mr Norris, an animal welfare advocate, contrasted the Government’s decision to row back on promises to improve animal welfare standards with its unwillingness to tackle the issue of sewage spills, including in popular West of England bathing spots such as rivers and lakes, as he questioned the new government’s priorities.

Some reports also suggest pledges to ban the export of live animals for slaughter and the import of hunting trophies are also at risk of ending up on the scrap heap. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Make no mistake, the nasty party is back. West of Englanders want to see a government that fully rejects animal cruelty and that strengthens and accelerates welfare standards, not one that degrades them further. Instead of backing cruel so-called ‘luxury’ food and fur imports, how about the Government focus on supporting those West of England farmers and producers who embrace high welfare standards, which are hugely popular with the public”.