Animal Welfare in Farming

Alex Mayer highlighted the poor living conditions for hens in 'enriched cages', which he suggested should be called 'confinement cages'. He also expressed concern about the welfare of lobsters, questioning if it is acceptable to boil them alive as a common practice.

Suggested that the Government needs to undertake a strategic review of UK border controls to ensure food security is protected from exotic diseases.

Discussed the financial and animal welfare impacts of bovine TB in Northern Ireland, highlighting the need for a science-led approach similar to England's wildlife intervention project. Asked the Minister to commit to updating Members quickly on the issue of access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland.

The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs acknowledges the importance of animal welfare standards, praising the current system but also noting areas for improvement. He highlights the need to balance high welfare standards with trade implications. Discussed funding for animal health and welfare grants, mentioned enforcement tools for ensuring compliance with animal welfare laws, and highlighted labelling and farm assurance schemes.

Champions the highest standards in animal welfare, reflecting society's compassion and integrity. Supports the debate on phasing out low-welfare imports and implementing a mandatory labelling scheme.

The hon. Member for Epping Forest, a veterinary surgeon and fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, highlighted the previous Conservative Government's record on improving animal welfare standards in farming.

Supports mandatory animal welfare labelling and highlights the issue of farrowing crates used for sows, which confine them for almost a quarter of their adult lives. She also mentions that 84% of Scots want to ban farrowing crates.

Emphasised the commitment of farmers to animal welfare, citing his own experience with a robotic dairy farm. Criticised the Windsor framework and US trade agreement for potentially undermining high UK agricultural standards. Emphasized the importance of engaging with the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister and requested clarity on how sensitive sectors will be protected under future trade deals.

Welcomes calls for the Treasury to fund a cross-Government plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance and exotic diseases, highlighting the risk from intensive farming practices.

Addressed the balance between raising animal welfare standards and financial realities for farmers, stressing the need for clearer animal welfare labelling to support producers and consumers alike.

Discussed the inconsistency of allowing imports from farms that still use banned methods such as sow stalls and battery cages, calling for legislation to ensure imported products meet UK welfare standards.

Sarah Dyke spoke about the importance of maintaining high animal welfare standards in farming. She mentioned that 95% of potential UK trading partners have lower animal welfare standards, which could undermine British farmers if not addressed properly.

Agrees with the hon. Gentleman's view on the need to control food imports post-Brexit to avoid disadvantaging UK farmers and allowing products from countries with lower animal welfare standards. Agreed with Josh Newbury on the importance of proper labelling for animals subjected to non-stunned slaughter.

Calls for stronger animal welfare policies, citing examples of regulatory breaches and the rise in intensive farming practices. Supports calls from the National Farmers Union for funding to tackle diseases such as foot and mouth disease.

Asked whether Government’s programme of planning reform could create loopholes allowing destructive large-scale farming operations.