UK Action Demanded Over Surge In Illegal Meat Imports

The British government is facing increasing pressure to crack down on illegal meat smuggling into the UK, amid warnings of a potential "foot-and-mouth" level crisis for British farmers, Jack Fenwick reported for BBC News.

The data suggest that more meat is being smuggled into the country in fewer vehicles, which experts say points to a rise in organized crime.

According to data obtained by BBC News, the amount of meat seized by Border Force officials has doubled in the past year.

The data suggest that more meat is being smuggled into the country in fewer vehicles, which experts say points to a rise in organized crime. Meat classified as illegal has often bypassed checks that confirm it is disease-free and compliant with UK health standards.

The highly contagious African swine fever (ASF) has been spreading across Europe’s pig herds since last summer.

Farmers and MPs are urging the Chancellor to allocate funds for stricter border controls in next week’s Budget to prevent the disease from entering the UK. Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers' Union, told the BBC that he was not confident the government would implement the necessary measures.