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Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Monday, 7 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Monday, 21 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Livestock: Exports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will consider allowing the export of live animals for to the EU for fattening and slaughter as part of the dynamic alignment provisions of the proposed sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU.

Answer

It is illegal to export livestock or horses for slaughter or fattening under the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024. This Government understands the strong sentiment that led to legislation to ban live exports for slaughter and fattening.

This Government has agreed with the EU to establish a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) area, by way of an SPS Agreement. Negotiations with the EU are ongoing so it would not be appropriate to comment on the detailed content at this stage. Throughout discussions, this Government has been clear about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27382
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Agriculture Exports Livestock UK trade with EU
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk