Ministers have reached a deal with US firm CF Industries to restart carbon dioxide (CO2) production at its sites on Teesside and in Cheshire.

The business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, held talks with the company after it stopped work at its fertiliser plants because of the surge in gas prices.

This has led to a food production crisis, as the CO2 made while manufacturing fertiliser is used to stun animals for slaughter, as well as in baking and vacuum packing.

More to follow …