The Conservative minister has been briefly removed from overseeing animal welfare at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), government sources have confirmed to The Independent. Mr Goldsmith appeared to warn Ms Truss in a resignation letter to Defra staff, saying the government had “much more to do to turn the tide” on the environment, according to The Guardian, which first reported wears his dismissal. The Tory peer is said to have written that he was “very sad” to leave after a “glassy” three years as environment secretary, championing action on climate change as well as better animal protection. “The UK is, after all, one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. But if Defra continues to get the support it needs and deserves across government, you can and will turn the tide,” he wrote. Lord Goldsmith, who was made a life peer in 2019 by Mr Johnson, who then handed him government posts, is expected to keep his ministerial role at the Foreign Office, where he still has a brief on the Pacific Ocean and the environment. However, animal welfare campaigners and farmers have raised fears that his axing of Defra could mean concerns about animal welfare being downgraded when it comes to trade deals after Brexit. Lorraine Platt of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation – which boasts former prime minister Carrie Johnson’s wife as a sponsor – told the Guardian she was disappointed to lose Lord Goldsmith’s role. “Our government has always argued that animal welfare standards will be maintained in any trade deals, but it is vital that this is respected and that our farmers are not undermined by low-welfare trade deals,” he said. Ms Platt added: “We have higher animal welfare standards here than many countries so they can’t compete… It’s important to the public that animal welfare has progressed and we hope the government recognizes that and continues to supports and improves our high standards. “ Dr Alice Brough, an animal vet from Gloucestershire, recently said: “Liz Truss and [new environment secretary] Ranil Jayawardena’s stance of prioritizing free trade, whatever the cost, has shown a shocking disregard for British farmers, and as a result the rest of us are struggling with a cost of living crisis.” Some Tory MPs are concerned that Ms Truss may reject Mr Johnson’s Animal Welfare (Captive Animals) Bill, which sought to impose new controls on domesticated animal species imported or exported to and from the UK Britain. There are also fears that legislative plans to ban trophy hunting in the UK – a Tory manifesto pledge – could be shelved. Former environment minister George Eustice had said ministers remained “absolutely committed” to a bill, but he was replaced by Mr Jayawardena when Ms Truss named her first cabinet earlier this month. “I would expect the Government to deliver on all its commitments and promises on animal welfare, regardless of which people hold roles in various departments,” said Tory MP Henry Smith, who said Mr Goldsmith has been a “fantastic champion of animal welfare”. . Some ministerial appointments have yet to be made as politics as usual remains on hold while the nation observes a ten-day period of mourning following the Queen’s death. Ms Truss is expected to fill the remaining positions next week. Lord Goldsmith’s office has been contacted for comment.
