Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade Negotiations: Foie Gras and Fur Import Regulation

Thursday 3 March 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Allan Dorans asked about recent discussions on the impact of banning foie gras and fur imports on trade talks.
  • Allan Dorans expressed concern that constituents feel angry about potential changes to the planned ban on foie gras and fur imports.
  • The Government highlighted their commitment to animal welfare through trade deals with Australia and New Zealand.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Allan Dorans
Business & Trade Environment
Context

The Government's plans for regulating foie gras and fur imports are under scrutiny, particularly in relation to their impact on trade negotiations.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Environment Minister regarding the potential impact of the Government's proposed ban on foie gras and fur imports on ongoing trade talks?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The Government are committed to upholding high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards as outlined in our manifesto. Regular discussions occur with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but specific updates on future legislation will be provided to the House at a later date.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not address how proposed import bans might affect trade negotiations specifically.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Allan Dorans
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Government's decision on dropping the proposed ban on foie gras and fur imports has angered constituents who believe there are cruelty-free alternatives.

Question

The hon. Member is concerned that constituents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock feel angry over reports that the UK may drop a planned ban on foie gras and fur imports, practices that involve animal cruelty. He asks how the Government can claim to be a world leader on animal welfare.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Our trade deals with Australia and New Zealand include groundbreaking animal welfare provisions, showing our commitment to high standards. For specific issues raised, DEFRA conducted a call for evidence on the fur market from 31 May to 28 June last year; a summary of responses will be published soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not address how dropping bans aligns with animal welfare leadership claims directly.

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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