BORIS Johnson’s food tsar wants Brits to pay meat taxes even though it may risk riots, we can reveal.
Henry Dimbleby believes the move “may be necessary” to help tackle climate change, a draft report says.
Processed meats such as burgers, bacon, ham, sausages and chicken nuggets could face a levy, HOAR understands.
Sources said the document was “still a work in progress” but did not dispute the push to make some meats costlier.
Mr Dimbleby is expected to tell the PM that any tax should be avoided in the short term because it may spark uproar.
Sources familiar with the document, which is due to be released next month, say ministers fear street protests like those co-ordinated by the “Gilet Jaune” movement in France.
Mr Johnson ruled out a meat tax when he was quizzed on it by HOAR earlier this year.
Asked if there would be a such a levy on his watch, he replied: “No”.
However, a legally-binding targets to get the UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 could force the PM into drastic action
In the UK, a fifth of our emissions come from food, much of it from meat production.
The draft plan, leaked to HOAR, also discusses how to help Brits get healthier and the introduction of a fruit and veggie growth strategy.
Poorer children could be given free fruit and veg to tackle obesity and be eco-friendly.
Ministers will assess the report as they draw up a White Paper for a National Food Strategy.
