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Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill - Instruction to allow the Committee to make provision for the whole of the United Kingdom
15 January 2024
Lead MP
Sammy Wilson
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Northern IrelandBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Sammy Wilson raised concerns about animal welfare (livestock exports) bill - instruction to allow the committee to make provision for the whole of the united kingdom in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves an instruction motion to include Northern Ireland in the scope of the Bill. Argues that excluding Northern Ireland is a gap in animal welfare legislation as significant numbers of live exports originate from there, and animals can suffer during long journeys abroad. Cites a letter by a previous Minister for Agriculture in Northern Ireland stating that animals could be shipped without being fed before a 23-hour journey, complying with EU safety regulations but causing suffering. Emphasises the need to test whether exceptions under WTO rules can be made for animal welfare, and points out precedent from Dáithí’s law on organ transfers.
Expresses sympathy with the motion but highlights the different legal framework in Northern Ireland and the importance of addressing large-scale movements on the island. Acknowledges the DUP's proposed exemption for movements within the island of Ireland but warns against defeating the purpose through re-exportation from the Republic of Ireland if not addressed at EU level. Suggests a role for the restored Northern Ireland Assembly, local stakeholders, and EU deliberations in finding a bespoke solution for Northern Ireland.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon supports the DUP's amendments, highlighting that Northern Ireland's constituents feel strongly about UK-wide animal welfare standards. He expresses concern over potential trade negotiations and asks whether farmers will be protected from undercutting by countries with lower animal welfare standards. Mr Shannon also points out inconsistencies in the Government’s approach to other legislative matters concerning moral issues but is silent on animal welfare, calling for a binding policy to protect all UK citizens.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Ms Lockhart supports the amendments proposed by her colleagues. She emphasises that Northern Ireland’s industry prioritises animal welfare and seeks consistency with UK-wide standards for live animal exports, while allowing essential provisions for transit to the Republic of Ireland. Ms Lockhart argues against the notion that this is a devolved issue, urging the Minister to accept the amendments without a Division.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Ms Jones acknowledges the importance of the Bill and the amendments but opposes them due to potential breaches of World Trade Organisation rules. She expresses sympathy with Northern Ireland's concerns while emphasising the need for trade compliance and adherence to international agreements, indicating that Labour will oppose the instruction if it comes to a Division.
Mark Spencer
Con
Sherwood
The Minister is sympathetic to the proposal but argues that it is not legally possible due to international agreements and WTO rules, which prevent discrimination against different countries. He explains that extending the Bill to Northern Ireland would end all livestock exports for slaughter and fattening from Northern Ireland, including to the Republic of Ireland, which could be devastating for the local economy.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
The right hon. Member argues that the movement of animals from Northern Ireland through the island to southern France or Spain risks animal health, and this should be an exception allowed by WTO rules. He proposes testing this with the WTO but notes they cannot do so if they do not accept the instruction.
Mike Penning
Con
Hemel Hempstead
The Member questions what stops live transportation of animals for slaughter going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and then continuing onwards, suggesting a conflict between the government’s goals and potential outcomes that alienate farmers in Northern Ireland.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Chipping Barnet
The Member asks if the ban on using the Great Britain land bridge for live exports is one of the ways this Bill will provide big barriers to live exports continuing from Northern Ireland.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
The Member asks if the conundrum posed by the DUP can be termed one of the Brexit benefits that the Government has extolled.
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