Animal Welfare in UK Trade Policy: A Call to Action

Feedback Submission to the DBT

Animal Policy International (API) has submitted detailed feedback to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as part of the government's call for insights on its upcoming trade strategy. The department has sought views from businesses and other stakeholders. Their goal is to determine how the UK can achieve sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth through trade.

In our submission, API emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that the UK's commitment to animal welfare is adequately reflected in its trade policy. We highlighted several key recommendations:

• The need to maintain and protect the UK's high animal welfare standards.

• The importance of implementing a legislative framework that ensures imported animal products meet the same animal welfare standards required of UK producers.

• The potential for the UK to become a global leader in promoting higher animal welfare standards through regulatory measures rather than relying solely on trade agreements.

  
  

Challenges and Opportunities in Trade

Trade policy presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, trade can expose the UK to products from countries with lower animal welfare standards. On the other hand, it provides a unique opportunity to leverage the UK's position. We can promote better animal welfare practices globally.

Current trade practices often undermine domestic welfare standards. For example, while the UK has banned barren battery cages for laying hens since 2012, we still import eggs from systems that would be illegal in the UK. Similarly, while sow stalls have been banned in the UK since 1999, we continue to import pork from countries that still permit this practice.

This inconsistency raises questions about our commitment to animal welfare. It is crucial that we address these discrepancies to protect our domestic standards.

Legislative Measures

While Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) could include animal welfare provisions, they are not the most effective tool for ensuring these standards. Instead, we advocate for comprehensive domestic legislation that would apply to both domestic and imported products. By establishing clear and stringent rules, we can secure the welfare of animals across the board.

Maintaining high animal welfare standards through legislation aligns with consumer expectations and public opinion. Research shows strong public support for assurances that imports meet UK standards. Recognizing this support is vital as we move forward with trade policy.

The Future of Trade Strategy

The trade strategy is expected to be published in early 2025. Animal Policy International will continue to advocate for effective legislative measures to uphold animal welfare standards in trade. We believe that our commitment to high standards can serve as a model for other nations.

In addition to legislation, we must engage with the public and educate them about these issues. By increasing awareness, we can foster greater community involvement in promoting animal welfare through trade.

Conclusion

It is essential for the UK to safeguard its animal welfare standards. By focusing on robust legislative actions, we can ensure that imported products reflect the values we uphold domestically. The upcoming trade strategy presents a critical opportunity to embed these principles into our framework.

Visit www.stopcruelimports.uk to learn more about how you can support this cause. Read the full submission here.