What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Tory Michael Gove is considering a ban on boiling lobsters alive, the Mirror has learned.

The Environment Secretary is set to launch a consultation on the move, bowing to pressure from animal rights campaigners.

But it's likely to land him in hot water with chefs and foodies, who argue shellfish do not feel pain when cooked alive.

Lobsters are among the only creatures we eat in Britain that are sold alive for slaughter at home or in restaurants.

It comes after the RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association and a string of campaigners wrote to the Government calling for crabs and lobsters to be included in animal welfare law.

But a row is already bubbling among Tory MPs, who suggested the move was a cynical bid to boost his green credentials.

“It’s Michael’s latest crusade to woo the luvvies in his blatant leadership bid,” a Tory source told the Mirror.

“He’s desperate to look like a planet hugging animal lover, but his foodie friends are going to be furious. It’s the last claw!”

(Image: Daily Record/Runnacles Mark)

(Image: REUTERS)

The proposed ban would also include other shellfish, such as crabs and crayfish.

Many restaurants already now stun or kill crustaceans before they are cooked, to prevent them from ‘throwing their claws’ when they’re thrown in the pot.

Campaigners say scientific evidence shows it is “highly likely” crustaceans can feel pain in the same way as any other animal.

Maisie Tomlinson, Campaign Director of Crustacean Compassion said: “We welcome the government's intervention on this matter and we hope that the consultation concludes that decapod crustaceans should be subject to the same animal welfare protections as vertebrate animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

poll loading Should we be banned from boiling lobsters alive? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No

“This certainly would include welfare at the time of killing, as many of the ways in which decapods are currently slaughtered are abhorrent. We also, however, urge tighter regulations on how decapods are kept whilst waiting for slaughter.

“A recent study found that lobsters were regularly crammed into bright, highly overcrowded tanks with little provision for the welfare needs of the species. We look forward to further engagement with the government in tackling this long-neglected animal welfare issue. "

(Image: PA)

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “As Minister [George] Eustice has previously stated this is an issue the Government is considering.

“We are committed to the very highest standards of animal welfare and are taking strong action in this area, including raising maximum sentences for animal cruelty to five years and making CCTV mandatory in slaughterhouses.

"As the Prime Minister has set out, we will make the United Kingdom a world leader in the care and protection of animals as we leave the EU.”