Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the International Finance Corporation on preventing funding for livestock projects with (a) low standards of animal welfare and (b) routine prophylactic use of antimicrobials; and if he will make a statement.

Sustainable investments in livestock are key to preventing malnutrition and reducing poverty. As a shareholder and partner to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the UK works closely with the IFC to ensure that it complies with rigorous and internationally recognised standards. The IFC's assessments of its projects is aligned with EU requirements and standards, including on animal health protocols and the use of antibiotics in animal production. The IFC does not invest in clients that fail to achieve industry standard certification for animal welfare within 36 months. The UK will continue to monitor the implementation of these standards and engage with IFC Management on its approach to livestock production.