House of Commons · Westminster Hall
08 May 2025 · 10 other contributors · 9,538 words
Opened by Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Responding minister: Daniel Zeichner
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Dyke raised concerns about small abattoirs in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I ask the Minister to ensure the continuation of the small abattoir discount on inspection charges so that small abattoirs can remain financially viable.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The abattoir industry is at crisis point, with just 60 small abattoirs left in the UK as of 2023. According to a 2022 Food Standards Agency report, small abattoirs are closing at an alarming rate of 10% per year. The remaining small abattoirs face immense challenges and increased costs, including rising energy costs and employer national insurance contributions.
Secured a £300,000 grant for an abattoir in Henfield through engagement with Horsham district council.
Highlights the critical role of small abattoirs in Welsh economies and calls for Government support to ease regulatory burdens and retain cost discounts.
Responded to John Lamont, emphasizing that this Government upholds high standards and supports local producers through public sector procurement policies.
Acknowledged the importance of small abattoirs to the rural economy and thanked the lead MP for securing the debate.
Discussed the importance of small-scale abattoirs for local farmers, rare breeds, and conservation efforts. Highlighted financial pressures from increased FSA rates and called for further funding support.
Discussed specific challenges in the south-east related to energy and skills shortages.
As the MP for the Scottish Borders, he shares concerns about challenges faced by farmers and food producers. He agrees with the importance of local abattoirs in reducing carbon footprint and supporting the rural economy. Asked how supporting local food production aligns with the UK-US trade deal's increased market access for American products.
Details increased regulatory burden on farmers and small abattoirs, stressing their importance for local food supply chains and rural heritage preservation. Emphasised the need for fairness in the supply chain and advocated for small abattoirs to provide better services compared to larger ones.
Small abattoirs are a crucial part of the food supply chain, supporting rural economies by providing jobs and local produce. Their decline has led to 51% of farm businesses having to find new providers after closures.
Thanked Members for their contributions and highlighted the critical role of small abattoirs in local food infrastructure, urging DEFRA to clarify how they fit into future farming plans.
Government Response
Daniel ZeichnerThe Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Acknowledged the importance of small abattoirs, particularly for rare breeds and premium outcomes. Emphasised that over 93% of meat is processed in larger slaughterhouses but noted the significance of the smaller sector for animal welfare and economic growth in rural areas. Highlighted the value of the UK meat processing industry at £12 billion. Emphasized the importance of small abattoirs in maintaining food supply, discussed measures to reduce regulatory burdens, addressed disease outbreaks, raised awareness about local food production, and outlined plans to review public sector food procurement policies. Commited £5 billion to the farming budget over two years with a focus on sustainable food production and nature recovery. Announced measures for poultry sector stability, including an extension of seasonal worker visas until 2030.