The Government is proud that the UK is a global leader on animal welfare, and we will continue to promote high standards, nationally and internationally. This chapter, the first standalone chapter on Animal Welfare in any signed FTA, sets down a clear marker that the UK will negotiate hard to promote animal welfare interests. The UK-Australia FTA does not compromise the UK’s high standards in animal or plant health, animal welfare and environmental protection. Imports of pork, chicken and eggs were excluded from tariff liberalisation, reflecting concerns about animal welfare and the low volumes of trade in these products. We have agreed a non-regression and non- derogation clause on animal welfare, which is a first in any FTA and which the independent Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) has described as “ground-breaking among free trade agreements”. This will help to ensure that neither country lowers their animal welfare standards in a manner which impacts trade. The UK and Australia have agreed to cooperate bilaterally and in international fora to improve animal welfare standards. This includes a joint working group to provide a forum to support cooperation on animal welfare between the UK and Australia, including promoting best practice. As TAC stated, the deal does not require the UK to change its existing levels of statutory protection in relation to animal or plant life or health, animal welfare, and environmental protection. All agri-food products imported from Australia must continue to comply with the UK’s existing import requirements.