Slaughterhouses: UK Trade with EU
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether methods of animal slaughter have featured in trade negotiations with the European Union.
Answered by Stephen Morgan
The Government is working to strengthen its broader economic relationship with the European Union, including through negotiations on an expansive Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, reducing barriers for British producers and retailers.
Final details of the full scope of the agreement are subject to negotiations, however, we expect the agreement to include regulations on animal welfare at the time of killing, as published on GOV.UK on 9 March 2026.
Defra cannot comment on the details of these discussions while they are ongoing.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →