The Guardian and several trade outlets reported on the appointment of David Rutley MP as a junior minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The Government confirmed that Rutley’s brief covers the Department’s preparedness for Brexit. Specifically his remit includes; EU exit readiness and the food chain (with Rutley the lead for Food and Drink Industrial Strategy), animal welfare, forestry and climate change adaptation.

Food industry experts welcomed the appointment in the wake of widespread concerns about possible delays of imports at UK ports and the Irish border.

Full articles:

→ The Guardian - UK appoints food supplies minister amid fears of no-deal Brexit

→ The Caterer - Government appoints MP to oversee post-Brexit food supplies