VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Prisons: Meat

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 9 June 2026UIN 5768

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make it his policy to ban meat products from prison catering services which have been produced using non-stunned slaughter.

Answered by Jake Richards

The Government encourages the highest standards of animal welfare at slaughter and 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.

The National Procurement Policy Statement underscores the Government’s commitment to increasing procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises, including sourcing products raised to high UK welfare standards.

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