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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the inclusion of decapod crustaceans in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in the context of their recognised sentience under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022.

The Government is committed to an evidence-based approach to improve welfare standards for decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs, and Defra has commissioned research and will seek expert opinion to inform any future policy decisions. The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, and Cabinet discussions are considered confidential.