Ministers warned Brexit will ‘wipe out’ meat sector

CABINET ministers were warned the beef, dairy and pig meat industry could be “wiped out” if Britain crashes out of the European Union, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

Ministers were also told a no-deal Brexit would also “seriously jeopardise the viability of large sections” of the country’s fishing industry.

The stark warnings were part of a confidential briefing presented to the Cabinet by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. The minister said the agri-food sector is “uniquely exposed” to Brexit.

However, Mr Creed told colleagues the beef industry will be the most dramatically impacted by a cliff-edge Brexit with farmers facing a 40pc drop in their income.