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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the animal welfare strategy, published on 22 December 2025, on domestic livestock producers; and what steps they will take to prevent third country producers from having a competitive advantage in not having to meet the standards in that strategy.

The Government will continue to build on existing high welfare standards in our farming sector in a measured way, while supporting the farming sector to be profitable and contribute to UK food security. The Government recognises that assessing the impacts of measures in the strategy is an important part of the process as proposals are brought forward. The Government will also continue to build on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to make sure farmers have access to the right advice and support.

As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and, where necessary, will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the government’s disposal to protect the UK’s most sensitive sectors.