Fears UK-Australia trade deal could cause surge in tariff-free meat imports

Labour says import quotas are so high they are meaningless and raises concerns about animal welfare

• Australian producers to gradually gain tariff-free access to British markets
• Key elements of the UK-Australia trade deal
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Ministers have been accused of jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands of farmers after it emerged that a new trade deal with Australia will permit huge increases in meat imports before any protective tariffs come into force.

Concerns have also been raised about a lack of detail on animal welfare and environmental safeguards in the agreement, the UK's first new trade accord with another country since Brexit.

Related: The UK's obsession with trade deals means disaster for the environment | Nick Dearden

Related: UK-Australia trade deal: what does it mean?