Farmed Animals: Cages and Crates

Mr. Mayer agreed with the lead MP's stance, emphasizing the need to learn from other countries and highlighting the conditions in which sows are kept on some British pig farms.

Supports the call for higher welfare standards and argues that until the Government applies UK animal welfare standards to imported food, British farmers will be undercut by cheaper imports.

Vocalises support for ending cage age and criticizes the Government's funding priorities, noting that more than £67 billion is spent on defence compared to just £7.4 billion on DEFRA.

Asserted that Britain is indeed a world leader in animal welfare despite being ranked 9th for cage-free animals. Emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in trade deals to avoid importing meat from countries with lower welfare. Agrees with the hon. Member and highlights that the industry is making strides to move away from traditional crating systems, noting an 8% change in recent years. Discussed industry estimates indicating around 8% of the British indoor pig herd are now flexibly farrowed, where sows can be confined temporarily to protect piglets.

Acknowledges the high welfare standards in UK farming but calls for a comprehensive national strategy that involves full consultation with all stakeholders and includes clear funding commitments and practical guidance.

More than 105,000 people have signed the petition, including 182 in his constituency of Epping Forest. He supports banning cages or close confinement systems where clear scientific evidence demonstrates that they are detrimental to animal welfare.

Raised concerns about imports driving up costs to consumers and making them more attractive compared to UK products, suggesting proper support is needed.

Caring for animals is an ethical issue in Islam and a reflection of our values. Despite UK legislation, practices like farrowing crates remain legal but increasingly indefensible. The industry should speed up the transition by supporting farmers already implementing new systems.

The hon. Member expressed support for engaging farmers in conversations with animal welfare activists to find a balanced approach towards improving pig farming practices. Highlights the practical difficulties farmers face when trying to end certain practices due to land costs and asks how commercial objectives can be achieved while maintaining animal welfare standards. Highlighted the dangers facing stockpeople in alternative systems and the need for training and adaptation.

The MP emphasises the importance of upholding high animal welfare standards in trade negotiations and ensuring that UK farmers are not unfairly undercut by other countries with lower standards.

The UK has some of the highest food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards for food production in the world but can go further. He criticised previous administrations for breaking promises on animal welfare.

Stressed the importance of labelling to empower farmers and ensure transparency for shoppers. Emphasised that without clear labels, consumers cannot identify high-welfare products, hindering the transition from cage systems.

The right hon. Member declared his interest as a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation and highlighted Sir David Amess's passion for banning farrowing crates, agreeing with the lead MP on this issue.

Welcomed the debate and thanked petitioners in her constituency for supporting improved animal welfare standards.

The hon. Member highlighted the concerns of his constituents regarding the use of cages and crates for farmed animals, emphasizing the desire for higher welfare standards in farms while acknowledging that many farmers also seek to improve animal welfare.

Acknowledges the significant interest in his constituency regarding environmental issues, climate change and animal welfare, emphasizing that over 7 million farmed animals are confined to cages annually. Pointed out that farrowing crates restrict a sow’s movement, preventing normal behaviours such as nest building.

Reaffirmed commitment to advancing animal welfare, noting the petition support from his constituents. Noted that the European Commission is considering proposals to ban cages and crates, with legislative proposals expected in 2026.

Asked whether a financial incentive would be necessary to phase out cages and crates, given that the UK is not seeing widespread change otherwise.