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Written question asked by Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 1 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 May 2025 (named day). It was answered by Daniel Zeichner (Labour) on Monday, 12 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animal Products: Imports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to require the (a) import and (b) sale of (i) eggs, (ii) pork and (ii) fur to meet UK animal welfare standards.

Answer

Ministers and officials meet regularly to address these important topics. The Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare. We will promote robust standards nationally and internationally and will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage.

All agri-food products must comply with our import requirements in order to be placed on the UK market. This includes ensuring imported meat products have been slaughtered to animal welfare standards equivalent to our domestic standards.

The Government recognises the concerns about imports produced using methods not permitted in the UK. We have been clear that we will use our Trade Strategy to support economic growth and promote the highest standards of food production.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
49798
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Animal welfare Animal products Furs Eggs Imports Standards Pigmeat
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk