Protecting Animal Welfare

We are a nation of animal lovers, and the protection of animals goes beyond party politics. Since my election, I have made improving animal welfare a priority because I believe Britain should continue to lead the world in setting high standards for the treatment of animals.

Local residents regularly raise animal welfare concerns with me, and I have worked with campaigners, farmers, and welfare organisations to ensure their voices are heard in Parliament. I have challenged Ministers where protections risk being diluted and consistently pressed for stronger safeguards in both law and enforcement.

I was proud to secure a Westminster Hall debate on improving animal welfare standards for farm animals. The debate drew support from across Parliament and reflected the strength of feeling that exists on this issue among the public.

The Government's Animal Welfare Strategy provides an important opportunity to raise standards further and establish a clear framework for improving protections in the years ahead. There is much within the strategy that I welcome. However, good intentions must be matched by clear timetables and firm commitments if meaningful progress is to be achieved.

That is why I am pressing the Government to set a clear timeframe for phasing out crates and cages and to provide proper support for farmers as they transition to higher-welfare systems. At the same time, we must ensure that imports do not undercut British producers by failing to meet the standards we expect at home. This is a principle I have repeatedly raised in Parliament because it supports both animal welfare and fair competition.