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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal Welfare Strategy published on 22 December 2025, what progress has been made in producing guidance on killing methods for (a) decapods and (b) cephalopods.

On decapod welfare at killing, Defra have engaged with industry, animal welfare scientists and non-governmental organisations about current industry practices and standards. Development of guidance will be sequenced alongside the broader set of policies set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy.

Regarding cephalopod molluscs, current knowledge on how to humanely kill them remains limited, and the evidence-base is being developed. The department will continue to monitor and assess evidence as it becomes available.