King’s Speech: Government commits to end live animal exports
The government has committed to end the live exports of animals from Great Britain for slaughter or fattening, despite warnings from the industry.
The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will deliver on a government promise – made in December 2020 – to end the live exports.
The bill was included in today’s (7 November) King’s Speech, which saw King Charles III set out the government’s legislative proposals.
The Kept Animals Bill – previously the cornerstone of the government’s animal welfare agenda – would have put an end to live exports in Britain earlier.
However, in May this year, the Bill was dismantled by ministers along with 14 other animal welfare pledges.
Farming groups have frequently warned that any significant regulatory changes to live exports could potentially have a major impact on the UK food supply chain.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has said that a live export ban could ‘cut off an essential lifeline‘ for sheep producers.
And the Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) group – whose members represent the breadth of the supply chain – said Defra must take responsibility for the impact of the ban on businesses.
Despite the industry’s concerns, today’s King’s Speech has confirmed that the government’s plan is now back on the agenda.
The RSPCA called it a ‘historic day’ for animal welfare, while Compassion in World Farming said it was ‘long overdue’.
By Farming UK
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