Many readers will have been upset to see reports that the Conservatives intend to drop plans to ban imports of foie gras and fur in new animal welfare legislation. These import bans were set to be included in the Animals Abroad Bill.

Foie gras is not something most people will come across in the local supermarket, it is an imported luxury food item that relies on the cruel practice of force feeding ducks or geese. The farming of animals for their fur was deemed to be cruel and unnecessary, it was outlawed in the UK by Labour in 2000. Campaigners have consistently argued that in the interests of animal welfare the import of these products from abroad should also be banned.

The Animals Abroad Bill is one of three pieces of government legislation drafted in response to public pressure to improve animal welfare.

The Bill will include measures to crack down on hunting animals for trophies, as well as holidays that lead to the neglect of animals like elephants. Key measures to ban the import of foie gras and animal fur have apparently been dropped due to pressure from within the Conservative cabinet in the name of “consumer choice”.

For millions of low and middle income families across the UK, consumer choice is based on buying essentials, overshadowed by worries about rising living costs, issues the government are failing to get to grips with.

It may come as a shock to Conservative ministers, but the vast majority of us are not planning to splash out on foie gras, fur coats or other luxuries any time soon.

When it comes to tackling the cost of living crisis or promoting animal welfare, the Conservatives are completely out of touch.

Sorie Sesay