Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is his policy to end the use of cages in farming practices.
Transitioning to non-caged systems continues to be a government priority. We are committed to working with producers and the food sector to raise standards of animal health and welfare, supporting farmers through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.
Ultimately, decisions we make on cage reforms must be the right ones and need full consideration of the implications for animal welfare and for the sectors concerned, including a realistic phase out period to secure achievement of our better welfare goals and sustainability for the industry.