Animal Policy International has submitted detailed feedback to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as part of the government's call for feedback on its upcoming trade strategy. The department sought views from businesses and other stakeholders on how the UK can achieve sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth through trade.
In our submission, API emphasised the critical importance of ensuring that the UK's commitment to animal welfare is properly 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 on trade agreements
The submission pointed out that:
Trade policy presents both opportunities and challenges. Trade can expose the UK to products from countries with lower animal welfare standards, but it also provides an opportunity for the UK to leverage its position to 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 where this practice is still permitted.
While Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can include animal welfare provisions, they are not the most effective tool for protecting standards. Instead, we advocated for comprehensive domestic legislation that would apply to both domestic and imported products.
We also emphasised that maintaining high animal welfare standards through legislation aligns with consumer expectations and public opinion, citing research showing strong public support for ensuring imports meet UK standards.
The trade strategy is expected to be published in early 2025, and Animal Policy International will continue to advocate for effective legislative measures to protect animal welfare standards in trade.
Visit www.stopcruelimports.uk to learn more and read the full submission here.