The Environmental Policy Forum has warned the EU Withdrawal Bill is “inadequate” to deliver Environment Secretary Michael Gove’s vision of a “green Brexit”.

However, unencumbered by the views of experts, it is reported that Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove, in a recent visit to the West Country, will ensure that the “lion’s share” of farm subsidies after Brexit will go to support environmental work.

He said it was made clear to farmers during the referendum campaign last year that EU subsidies would go.

“It was also made clear at the general election that the Conservatives were the only party guaranteeing support for farmers in cash terms at the level it was before the election.

He said: “The basis on which subsidies are allocated at the moment is wrong.”

“We absolutely intend to honour our commitment that that £3 billion of money is spent ensuring that our farmers can continue to do the great job that they do.

“My view is that we should use some of that money to sustain and boost agricultural productivity. But the lion’s share of that money should go to farmers to help them to do the right thing environmentally.”