Animal Exports

I share concerns raised that animals are often transported in horrendous conditions for long journeys across Europe, suffering from overcrowding, exhaustion, extreme temperatures or a lack of food and water. Moreover, the animals arrive at overseas slaughterhouses that often have lower welfare standards than those in the UK.

As you know, all live animal exports from Britain and Europe are currently controlled by an EU regulation. However, the UK's decision to leave the EU has provided an opportunity to take action on this issue. 

In April 2018, the Government launched a call for evidence on controlling live exports for slaughter and improving animal welfare during transport after Brexit. The call for evidence sought views from industry, devolved administrations, charities and the public and considered all options for raising welfare standards, including a potential ban. It closed in May 2018.

The evidence was passed on to the Farm Animal Welfare Committee, who are reviewing existing transport standards and will make recommendations for improvements for when we leave the EU. The Government says the Committee will respond in due course and I await this response.

The Opposition has consulted on its Animal Welfare Plan. One of the proposals being considered is a ban on live exports for slaughter and fattening, which would go further than the Government's plans to control only animals exported for slaughter. It would include an exemption for breeding animals as long as they are transported under genuinely high welfare standards. It also would exempt livestock transported across the Northern Ireland/ Republic of Ireland border.

In addition, the Opposition has proposed an amendment to the Agriculture Bill that would prevent financial assistance being granted if animals are exported for slaughter or fattening after we leave the EU.

I can assure you that I will continue to press for legislation that restricts the export of live animals after Brexit.