A number of constituents have contacted me asking for me to support an amendment to the 1847 Ports and Harbours Act. Whilst this debate is taking place on a Friday when I will be working in Broxtowe, I felt it was best to respond to the concerns raised here.
Whilst we negotiate our exit from the EU, it is important that we continue to exercise the obligations that come with membership. As such, we are still bound by EU rules – which dictate that it is illegal to ban the export of animals to other EU countries. Instead, legislation is designed to protect the welfare of live animals during transport to ensure they are not mistreated.
My colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs have assured me that the Government is continuing to pursue a more sustainable approach to the transport of livestock on long journeys. The Department has already called on the EU Commission to update the rules on welfare during transport where there is sufficient scientific evidence to support a change, and I look forward to seeing progress in this area.
Though the UK's involvement in animal welfare and trade are bound to form part of our EU exit negotiations, I am glad that the Government continues to maintain good relations with our European neighbours, and I am sure that they our future policy in this area will be formed in the context of these talks.