Post-Brexit EU ban on British sausages 'nonsense', Environment Secretary says

8 June 2021, 08:17 | Updated: 8 June 2021, 08:24

Environment Secretary grilled over possible NI sausage trade war

EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Environment secretary George Eustice has insisted "there's no problem with our sausages or indeed our chicken nuggets".

Amid ongoing issues over the Northern Ireland Protocol with the EU, Mr Eustice told LBC he had "no idea" why the bloc imposed "idiosyncratic" rules.

Nick Ferrari questioned the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice over a possible Northern Ireland post-Brexit trade war over sausages.

Mr Eustice said he did not think "there was any need for a trade war," over the issue.

He added that "there's no problem with our sausages, or indeed our chicken nuggets."

But, the Secretary of State was able to point out a "quirk" in EU law which means sausages from a third nation state cannot be sold within the European Union.

Nick seemed shocked that the UK was not able to sell sausages in Europe and Mr Eustice confirmed this to be the case.

"You might ask why the European Union has this peculiar ban on the sale of sausages," the MP said.

Which Nick did.

"I've no idea, but I suspect it links to some kind of perception they cannot trust any country that is not an EU country to make sausages," Mr Eustice said.

But, he branded this a "nonsense," adding he thinks "we have a very good sausage industry in this country."

The Daily Telegraph reported the UK is unilaterally considering extending a "grace period" to allow Northern Irish shops to continue selling chilled meats - including sausages and mince - from Britain once it expires at the end of June.

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Caller Som has a warning from the past as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates.

Caller Som has a warning from history as Israel and Iran conflict escalates

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller Layla

Caller Layla fears for her daughters following Kemi Badenoch's Burqa comments

Caller Barry

LBC caller backs the government's reversal on the winter fuel allowence

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

Exclusive
'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams government

'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams the government

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’ | LBC’s best callers of the week

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’: LBC’s best callers of the week

'Farage is a media-made man'

David and Nick debate whether 'tiny and ridiculous' Reform gets too much airtime

Tube worker John

Tube worker shares his close encounters with fare dodgers

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions