UK shellfish farmers threaten legal action over ban on exports to EU

Industry claims it was misled by Defra over post-Brexit position and will sue unless trade with Europe restarts soon

The environment secretary, George Eustice, is facing a threat of legal action from shellfish farmers over claims that the government has misled the industry over its post-Brexit arrangements with the EU.

A solicitor representing 20 shellfish firms told the Guardian the government had shown negligence and maladministration" and that a group action was being considered for compensation.