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Michael Gove told Britain’s food industry that the government will protect “sensitive” homegrown food with import tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Gove told the NFU annual Conference that recent reports on Britain cutting tariff rates on imports to zero for all countries were “not accurate” following press speculation. Hard Brexiteers who favour a no-deal like Jacob Rees-Mogg and the European Research Group have also backed the idea saying it will be good for consumers.

Gove would not rule out zero tariffs for arable crops however, saying the tariffs would be prioritised towards meat such as beef and “particularly” lamb.

The biggest import tariffs into EU currently mostly apply to animal products, but fruit and veg also has some duty protections from major producers like the US, Argentina, China and North Africa, which could impact domestic fresh produce.

In a speech at the annual National Farmers Union Gove said the government had “absolutely heard” calls for protection of UK food production in the event of a no-deal, saying an announcement on tariffs will be made “shortly”, likely a few days.

“The NFU and others have made strong arguments about the need to ensure stronger tariff protection for British farming, in particular stronger protection for British farming than any other sector of the economy.

“In particular, you have argued that we need tariffs on sheepmeat, beef, poultry, dairy, both milk and cheese; and pig meat in order to safeguard our valuable domestic production. Your concerns have been absolutely heard and announcement on new UK tariffs in a no deal scenario - with specific and robust protections for farming - will be made shortly.”

Gove also said he “would not hesitate” to provide financial support to the most vulnerable sectors.

He continued: “But while I can and will energetically and determinedly try to deal with the consequences of no deal let no one be in any doubt how difficult and damaging it would be for British farming.”