House of Commons · Urgent Question
18 December 2025 · 19 other contributors
Opened by Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Neil Hudson raised concerns about animal welfare strategy 2025-12-18 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm that the Government’s animal welfare strategy, promised for the end of the year, will be published before Christmas? The urgency lies in the need to scrutinise the plans given significant issues such as disease outbreaks and a shortage of vets. Dr Hudson also praises previous Conservative achievements in improving animal welfare.
Question
Will the Government reiterate that it is illegal and inappropriate for people to engage in fox hunting, which remains a minority practice?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend's sentiment. Those who engage in illegal practices such as foxhunting should face the full force of the law.
Question
Will the Government make updating the Veterinary Surgeons Act a key component of their animal welfare strategy, given its importance for modern veterinary practices?
Minister reply
We are committed to pursuing opportunities to update the Veterinary Surgeons Act, recognising its significance in ensuring high standards and protections for both animals and the veterinary profession.
Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm that the animal welfare strategy will continue to support high standards of farmed animal welfare, working closely with farmers?
Minister reply
I can confirm that. Measures are already in place to provide funding and veterinary assistance to help farmers improve their animal welfare practices.
Question
Will the Government drop the family farm tax, which is seen as a barrier to prosperous farming and animal welfare?
Minister reply
The time to raise such issues was earlier today. We are focused on delivering our commitments regarding animal welfare.
Question
Will the animal welfare strategy address the issue of increasing veterinary fees, a significant cost-of-living concern for pet owners?
Minister reply
The work on the Veterinary Surgeons Act is separate from the animal welfare strategy. However, we recognise the importance and are working to modernise regulations.
Question
As the Department struggles with timely publication of strategies, will the Secretary of State look at how these processes can be improved for better scrutiny?
Minister reply
We promised to publish before Christmas and we will do so. We aim to discuss the strategy thoroughly with colleagues from across the House upon its release.
Question
Why is it that the Government have been dragged here today to answer an urgent question about their welfare strategy, which they are bringing forward next week but which we cannot scrutinise because Parliament goes into recess today?
Minister reply
I am sure there will be opportunities in the new year to discuss the animal welfare strategy. The hon. Member's question regarding further regulations for animal welfare in the rescue and rehoming sector will be addressed when the strategy is published.
Question
When will the Government start the consultation on the future of trail hunting?
Minister reply
In the new year, we will issue a consultation on banning trail hunting as committed to in our manifesto. The hon. Member is correct about the issues surrounding trail hunting.
Question
Since we cannot scrutinise the strategy today, may I ask what action is included in it to phase out animal testing in scientific laboratories?
Minister reply
That issue is a joint responsibility with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. We are working closely with DSIT on their recent strategy that ensures alternatives can be used more quickly to phase out animal testing.
Question
Will the Secretary of State outline the steps that the Government are taking to ensure there is really clear labelling and communication, so that we can all be confident when buying our Christmas turkey?
Minister reply
We want to make sure that there is transparency in meat labelling. While this will not be part of the animal welfare strategy, it is an issue we are working on separately.
Question
Will the Secretary of State confirm that the animal welfare strategy will include an end to the cruel use of farrowing crates and cages, and support for farmers through this transition?
Minister reply
Some 50% of the sow herd give birth outside. We are looking at what more we can do to deal with the rest that do not; it is a priority for the Government.
Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm that the Government are committed to banning the import of hunting trophies?
Minister reply
We are committed to banning hunting trophies. It is a conservation issue, so it will not be in the animal welfare strategy but measures will be taken forward separately.
Question
May I urge the Minister to work closely with colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade to ensure that we protect our farms from lower standards across the seas?
Minister reply
We are protecting the high standards we have here in the UK in trade deals with other countries around the world.
Question
Will the Government seek to renegotiate the trade deals with Australia and New Zealand, and will they ban the import of food produced with antibiotic growth promoters?
Minister reply
It is difficult to unpick trade deals once they are in place. However, we are committed to protecting high standards.
Question
Will full and favourable consideration be given to finally banning the fruits of this vile trade by ending the import of real fur products?
Minister reply
We are looking at this issue, and there will be further details in the strategy.
Question
Will she commit to any strategy that is published being backed up by primary legislation, with legally binding targets and timelines for ending animal testing?
Minister reply
This is a DSIT lead, not a DEFRA lead. We are committed as a Labour Government to phasing out animal testing as quickly as possible but need alternatives in place to do so.
Question
Can my right hon. Friend assure me and farmers back home that our strategy will support rather than hinder, be rooted in the highest of standards, and be rolled out properly, speedily and proactively?
Minister reply
The short answer is yes.
Question
Will the Secretary of State reassure me and others across the House that the strategy will finally tackle the impact of fireworks on pets and their owners?
Minister reply
It is a tricky issue because there are lots of people who enjoy fireworks at different religious festivals. It is about getting the balance right.
Government Response
We will publish the animal welfare strategy before Christmas, as we have promised. The strategy aims to tackle significant issues head-on and improve animal welfare standards across the UK, including measures that support healthier livestock, enhance veterinary services, and protect wildlife. It builds on previous achievements in banning live animal exports for fattening or slaughter and increasing prison sentences for animal cruelty. We are committed to updating the Veterinary Surgeons Act to modernise regulation of veterinary practices.