Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill - Clause 1

Questions the delay in introducing this legislation despite it being a Brexit freedom for over seven years, suggesting more urgency was needed.

Suggests establishing a small-scale abattoir on the Isle of Wight to address animal welfare concerns and align with the spirit of the Bill.

Asks about potential World Trade Organisation issues and ensures that the Bill survives any trade challenges, highlighting her long-term involvement in animal welfare advocacy.

Clarifies whether the Bill applies to slaughter only or impacts genetic material trading for livestock reproduction, seeking assurance on maintaining gene pool integrity.

Welcomes the Bill and hopes it sets an international example, particularly for Australia's live animal export trade to the Middle East.

Asks about discussions with farming unions in Northern Ireland, acknowledging farmers' commitment to animal welfare and seeking support for their practices.

Points out that the Bill does not apply to Northern Ireland, allowing animals from there to face long journeys to Spain without similar regulations, raising concerns about animal welfare.

The Bill's provisions are important but narrow in scope, requiring concrete discussions with devolved Administrations. The Labour party has a strong track record on animal welfare legislation, including the Hunting Act 2004 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The current Government's delay is unacceptable, and there are many other areas where action is needed, such as banning cages for farmed animals, ending puppy smuggling, and stopping pet theft.

In the last Parliament, Labour MPs and their leader did everything they possibly could to keep us in the single market. If they had succeeded, we would never have been able to ban live exports.

My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech. There is enormous interest in animal welfare provisions set out in the Bill and other matters. The Government have spent a long time on this but have not yet delivered a comprehensive animal welfare Bill, despite previous attempts.

The biggest problem with the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was that lots of additional legislation was potentially being added to it. The Labour party’s position on halal slaughter is unclear.

How does the hon. Lady square her talk about promoting animal health and welfare with the Welsh Labour Government’s policy on tuberculosis in cattle, which contradicts scientific evidence?

Supports the Bill, arguing that it is a straightforward and necessary step in improving animal welfare. Highlights that the Labour party's stance on animal welfare has been inconsistent. Emphasises the importance of passing the legislation quickly to improve animal welfare standards both domestically and internationally.

[INTERVENTION]: Agrees with Therese Coffey that the Conservative Government is making significant improvements to animal welfare protections.

[INTERVENTION]: Suggests passing the Bill as a tribute to Sir David Amess, highlighting his work on animal welfare.

Supports the Bill's primary objective of prohibiting live cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter or fattening from the UK. Highlights the importance of ethical standards in animal treatment and welcomes the Government’s commitment to funding farmers to improve welfare conditions. Stresses the significance of the legislation for Scotland and its alignment with Scottish national ambitions.

Welcomes the Bill's ban on export of young unweaned calves and encourages local rearing and slaughter, reducing dairy bull calf wastage. Emphasises the importance of food security, workforce issues in abattoirs, and CO2 production for meat processing. Supports the Bill's measures against horse smuggling but calls for improved identification and database systems.

[INTERVENTION] Urges the Government to ban pig farrowing crates, an issue close to Sir David's heart, suggesting it would receive support across the House.

Supports the Bill to ban live animal exports, despite disappointment over omitted measures. Expresses concern about trade deals with countries like Australia that allow live export, impacting UK farmers' welfare standards. Criticises government's handling of agricultural policy post-Brexit and the transition to environmental land management schemes, noting financial losses for farmers. Highlights potential threats to animal welfare due to reduced funding and workforce issues in abattoirs. Regrets omissions from the Bill such as zoo licensing, livestock worrying, ban on primates as pets, and puppy smuggling.

Supports the Bill, acknowledging the work of predecessors in advocating for animal welfare. Criticises past issues with livestock transport, particularly highlighting abuses by some hauliers. Expresses support for further actions such as banning foie gras imports and addressing puppy smuggling. Acknowledges that while more could be done, it is commendable given recent political context.

Mr Shannon supports the overall aim of the Bill but raises concerns about its exclusion of Northern Ireland. He argues that the clause should apply to the entire United Kingdom, as it does not prohibit movement within the British Isles and is only excluded due to EU pressure on territorial integrity. He highlights issues faced by farmers in his constituency regarding access to veterinary medication and suggests that excluding Northern Ireland undermines animal welfare standards.

Mrs Villiers welcomes the Bill, citing its importance for improving animal welfare. She outlines historical efforts dating back to the Victorian era and argues that previous attempts were blocked by EU rules. She emphasises ethical principles such as treating animals with compassion and ensuring high standards of animal welfare. She also thanks campaigners and organisations who have worked on this issue over many years.

Expresses concern over Government cuts to farm funding, low uptake of environmental land management policies, and inadequate support for farmers' mental health. Emphasises that farmers are facing huge financial deficits due to poor planning and trade deals with countries having lower animal welfare standards.

Supports the Bill, highlighting its importance for animal welfare. Cites local engagement with animal welfare organisations and public support evident in a consultation where over 85% agreed with the measures. Emphasises the need to end arduous journeys for livestock and build on the country's tradition of upholding high standards of animal welfare.

Supports banning live exports due to public opinion and ethical concerns. Mentions that constituents have urged her to support the ban, citing animal welfare issues such as stress, injury, and exhaustion during long journeys in crowded conditions.

The speaker argues against the Bill for its tardiness in addressing animal welfare and criticises it for excluding Northern Ireland, despite promises made by the Government to utilise Brexit opportunities. He also points out that without including Northern Ireland, animals can still be transported from there to Europe under terrible conditions.

The speaker supports the Bill, highlighting its benefits for animal welfare and local farmers in North Norfolk. He notes that the Bill will enhance the capabilities of local farmers to produce high-quality food and is supported by industry representatives and organisations such as the National Farmers Union and RSPCA.

Critiqued the Government for the delayed action on animal welfare, highlighting missed opportunities to address issues such as caged primates and puppy smuggling. Emphasised the public's desire for improved animal welfare standards and accused the Government of fear and timidity in taking a piecemeal approach rather than comprehensive measures.

Asked about the use of private Members' Bills to further animal welfare agendas, suggesting it is a flawed approach.

Asked about the need for animal welfare standards in imported food alongside UK production standards.

Acknowledged support from Members across the House, emphasised the Bill's aim to prevent unnecessary stress and injury caused by live exports, and highlighted public support for the ban as evidenced by a consultation where 87% agreed. Emphasised the UK’s position as global leaders in animal welfare.

Suggested including animal welfare provisions right across the United Kingdom and addressing cross-border trade issues while preventing long journeys for animals into continental Europe.

Asked for a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss why foie gras, which is banned in production here, can still be imported into the UK.