House of Commons · Westminster Hall
24 October 2023 · 4 other contributors · 3,118 words
Opened by Giles Watling Con Clacton
Responding minister: Rebecca Pow
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Giles Watling raised concerns about importation and sale of foie gras in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Giles Watling urges the Government to ban the importation and sale of foie gras produced by force feeding. He suggests this would improve animal welfare standards and align public expectations in light of previous bans on other cruel imports like cat and dog meat, and elephant ivory.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Giles Watling is concerned about the cruelty involved in producing foie gras through forced feeding, which results in birds suffering and potential health risks. He cites disease outbreaks in France due to intensive farming conditions and highlights that public opinion strongly supports a ban, with over 280,000 signatures on a petition.
Bob Stewart expressed his opposition to the production of foie gras, emphasizing the cruelty involved and calling for its elimination.
Congratulates the hon. Member on securing the debate and agrees that if foie gras production is deemed too cruel in this country, it should also be considered too cruel to import.
Commends the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate and expresses frustration that despite acknowledging serious welfare concerns with foie gras production, no steps have been taken.
States Labour's commitment to banning the importation of foie gras as soon as possible after their proposals were voted down during the passage of the Agriculture Act 2020. Ruth Jones questioned why certain animal welfare bills have been withdrawn or not progressed in Parliament despite public support for banning foie gras. A senior Tory MP has claimed hormone-injected beef is 'delicious' and that people will be fine with chlorinated chicken. This casts doubt on the Minister's assurances about maintaining high animal welfare standards.
Government Response
Rebecca PowI thank my hon. Friend the Member for Clacton (Giles Watling) for securing this debate today and recognise that he is chair of the all-party parliamentary group on animal welfare, a role taken seriously by many MPs. The minister highlighted that the UK has world-leading animal welfare standards according to World Animal Protection's animal protection index, with the highest score in the G7. Since 2010, numerous measures have been implemented including banning battery cages for laying hens and introducing Lucy's law against third-party puppy sales. Additionally, the minister mentioned bans on horse fly-grazing and abandonment, wild animals in travelling circuses, and new laws such as Finn's law protecting service animals. The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill aims to further enhance these standards, covering farmed animals, pets, sporting animals, and legislative reforms. She noted that importing foie gras is allowed but emphasised the importance of robust evidence when developing future policies on this issue. Countries like Germany, Italy, and Luxembourg have banned production, while others like France continue to produce it under strict regulations. The minister stated that international influence through organisations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health will be crucial in addressing global animal welfare standards. She concluded by reiterating the Government's commitment to improving animal welfare and the steps already taken.