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Michael Gove sparked anger today as he signalled he could stop short of banning 'cruel' live animal exports after Brexit.

The Tory Environment Secretary had raised hopes of an outright ban in April by launching a consultation with "all options" on the table.

But despite the 'call for evidence' closing in May there is still no final decision.

And asked three times directly about a ban today, Mr Gove repeatedly avoided using the word ban - using the word "restrict" instead.

It comes despite more than a million people signing petitions across Europe calling for an outright ban on the practice in the EU.

(Image: SWNS.com)

(Image: PA)

More than 380,000 sheep, 10,000 cattle and 8,000 pigs were exported alive from the UK to EU for slaughter in 2016. Government documents admit "all forms of transport may have negative effects on the animal's welfare".

Mr Gove was questioned about the policy on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

He eventually insisted a ban was still "possible" and "all options are on the table."

But asked if Britain would "see an end" to live exports, he replied: "We're going to see restrictions on live animal exports, certainly, and we're consulting at the moment."

Asked if he was "minded to ban them", Mr Gove replied: "I'm minded to restrict them, yes. And I'm looking at the evidence to see how we can take appropriate steps.

"We're gathering evidence at the moment and we want to make sure that we can do this in the right way."

Asked again if he was minded to ban the exports, Mr Gove replied: "I'm minded to take every step we can in order to ensure that we restrict animal exports and safeguard animal welfare."

The interview came days after the Compassion in World Farming campaign claimed a ban was looking like a more remote possibility.

The campaigners wrote: "[The government] have now passed the consultation over to the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) for advice on how best to proceed.

"However, rather than asking the FAWC to review a possible ban, Defra have instead asked for recommendations on improving conditions during live transport.

(Image: Press Association)

"Whilst this does not necessarily mean that live exports will continue, it is worrying that the focus is on improving conditions, rather than banning this cruel and completely unnecessary practice."

Campaign spokesman James West said today: "We are concerned that Mr Gove appears to be back tracking on his live export commitment.

"On numerous occasions, Michael Gove has spoken about how the government are considering stopping live exports for slaughter.

"This morning, when pressed, he repeatedly used the word ‘restrict’.

(Image: AFP)

"The campaign to stop live exports is one that has run for many years, and an issue people feel very strongly about.

"It will be a major disappointment to the majority of British citizens if the Government abandon their plans. Mr Gove must hold firm and stop live exports.”

Labour shadow environment minister David Drew said: "Michael Gove is back pedalling on his promise to ban live exports.

“We are demanding that Michael Gove now clarifies the Government’s position on banning live exports."

A Tory spokeswoman said the party's approach had been consistent and "a ban remains a possibility."

The spokeswoman added: “Labour’s hypocrisy is breathtaking. Unlike the Conservatives, their manifesto had nothing to say on this vital issue and now they are desperately playing catch-up.”