Import of hormone-treated beef 'not happening' says Trade Minister, Liz Truss

"If the UK government is making hormone-treated beef a red line in negotiations with Australia, the US and other trade partners, this will provide some protection for British cattle farmers, who are not allowed to give their own animals hormones," said John Springford, from the Centre for European Reform.

"But it will also curtail some of the benefits of these free trade agreements for consumers, by keeping cheaper Australian beef out of British supermarkets.

"Generally it’s not yet clear whether the government wants to max out trade deals to help consumers and offset trade barriers with the EU – or to protect British businesses."