VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Slaughterhouses: Animal Welfare

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 3 February 2026UIN 108813

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration her Department has given to banning non-stun slaughter of animals.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

Regulations require that animals must be stunned prior to slaughter so that they are unconscious and insensible to pain, and the only exception is where animals are slaughtered in accordance with religious rites. The Government would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter, but we respect the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim