Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the level of (a) public support for genome editing farm animals and (b) consumer interest in purchasing products made from such animals in the regulation of genetic technologies consultation, which closes on 17 March 2021.

We recognise that there is a spectrum of opinions on these topics. We are consulting on genome editing to provide an opportunity for all views to be shared. No decisions on any legislative changes will be made before the results of the consultation are analysed. The UK has no intention of reducing its high standards of animal welfare. We are committed to proportionate, science-based regulation that protects people, animals and the environment, and ensuring that safe products reach the market. Our consultation opened on 7th January and closes on 17th March 2021.