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The Livestock Export Prohibition Bill - Clause 1 - Amendments to the definition of 'livestock'
15 January 2024
Lead MP
Ruth Jones
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 24
At a Glance
Ruth Jones raised concerns about the livestock export prohibition bill - clause 1 - amendments to the definition of 'livestock' 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
This amendment would add alpacas to the list of livestock covered by the Bill, ensuring that these animals are protected from export for slaughter. It is a continuation of efforts to enhance animal welfare protections in line with public expectations.
He supports amendments to include deer, llamas and reindeer under the definition of 'livestock'. He argues that these amendments would strengthen the Bill by covering additional species.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Questions why the government has taken so long to introduce this Bill and expresses concern about the abandonment of the Kept Animals Bill, urging for greater enforcement if the amendments are successful.
Keir Mather
Lab
Selby
Supports the amendments to include deer, alpacas and llamas. However, expresses concern about the government's previous hesitation on other animal welfare issues such as imports of hunting trophies.
Welcomes the cross-party support for ending live exports. Addresses concerns about Northern Ireland and international trade rules, and criticises Labour's opposition to Brexit which delayed progress on animal welfare.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Calls for stronger protections beyond just the proposed amendments, questioning why certain other measures such as a ban on keeping primates or foie gras are not included. Laments delays in implementing animal welfare policies.
Natalie Elphicke
Con
Thanet West
Welcomes the ban on live export for slaughter. Concerned about regulatory extension amendment for deer, llamas and alpacas due to lack of evidence showing such activities falling under the Bill's scope.
Nigel Evans
Con
Cannock Chase
Reminds speakers to focus on amendments rather than making Second Reading debate speeches. No detailed arguments provided but supports the principle of the amendments aimed at extending the ban.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Supports the amendments as they aim to include other animals not named in the Bill. Criticises the irony of addressing an issue that does not exist in GB while ignoring it in Northern Ireland, where substantial exports occur. Highlights concerns about WTO rules and exceptions for Northern Ireland.
Mike Penning
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Penning argues public opinion halted live animal exports, not legislation. He says deer and llamas will not be exported for fattening or slaughter due to financial impracticality. Emphasises the need for national unity on setting standards independent of Europe.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Wilson intervenes to cite a Minister's response indicating calves are rested before export, already compliant with EU regulations. He argues the Bill will exacerbate animal suffering.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Rodda supports Labour amendments that aim to future-proof the legislation by addressing potential loopholes for other species like deer, llamas and alpacas. He acknowledges public interest in improving animal welfare and urges the Government to consider these amendments.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Hopkins speaks in support of Labour’s amendments 2 to 5, emphasising their importance for future-proofing the legislation. She highlights public concern over animal welfare during long journeys and calls for a ban on live exports for slaughter and fattening from or through Great Britain.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Glasgow East
Supports the aims of amendment 5 as it ensures Scottish farmers are not disadvantaged and aligns with the SNP's commitment to animal welfare. The Bill must protect Scotland’s unique characteristics.
Mark Spencer
Con
Sherwood
Believes that the current definition of relevant livestock is comprehensive and sufficient, based on historical data. There is no evidence to suggest that other species should be included in the ban.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Raises concerns about illegal export of horses under the guise of sport or breeding for slaughter. Welcomes the Bill as it will stop such illegal movements.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Supports amendment 5 to allow extension of relevant livestock species through statutory instruments, ensuring flexibility in addressing animal welfare concerns. Labour calls for a ban on live exports for slaughter.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
West Lancashire
Questions the adequacy of current measures in comparison with the discarded Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. Asks what future legislation might cover areas such as puppy smuggling.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Praises the Minister for his comprehensive list of achievements, emphasising that these demonstrate a strong commitment to animal welfare. Acknowledges the RSPCA's support.
Commends the Government for its impressive track record on animal welfare and suggests this Bill would not have been possible during EU membership.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Expresses disappointment that animal welfare protections are not extended to Northern Ireland, suggesting the Government prioritises relations with the EU over UK-wide issues.
Points out a missed item in the Minister's list: the ban on animal testing. Views this as another example of post-Brexit progress.
Urges the banning of foie gras imports, citing ethical concerns about its production.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Glasgow North East
The Bill aims to enhance animal welfare standards and align with the Scottish Government's ambitions. However, it must protect Scotland’s traditional crofting and island communities without disadvantaging farmers or undermining agricultural sectors. Concerns are raised about livestock movement journeys that may cause distress and exhaustion. The SNP seeks consistent animal transport legislation across GB but highlights the need for consideration of established patterns in Scotland.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Wilson criticises the Bill's application to Northern Ireland, arguing it does not apply uniform standards across the UK. He raises concerns about regulatory divergence due to EU diktat and the Northern Ireland protocol, which undermines the promise of the same animal welfare standards in all parts of the UK. The DUP Member highlights that live exports primarily occur from Northern Ireland, questioning how the Bill addresses these issues.
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