Swine fever risk if UK waives checks on imports from EU, say vets

Ministers are considering another postponement to border controls amid fears of supply chain problems and higher prices

Government plans to waive border checks on goods from the EU - including food and livestock - will put the country at risk of importing devastating infectious diseases such as African swine fever and compound serious damage to UK trade caused by Brexit.

The double warning has been issued by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) as ministers consider yet another postponement of post-Brexit inspections because of fears that checks will slow supply chains, add to bureaucracy and increase prices in shops at a time when UK consumers are already facing a cost of living crisis.