1
Acknowledged
Clarify inclusion of on-farm animal welfare and labelling in EU SPS negotiations
Recommendation
The Government must urgently clarify whether on-farm animal welfare and labelling will be included in negotiations with the EU of an SPS agreement so it can properly develop any future legislative changes, prepare industry for reforms and so those changes can be properly scrutinised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 15)
Government Response Summary
The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, subject to ongoing negotiation, and that the UK has been clear about the importance of setting high animal welfare standards.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, as set out in the May 2025 Common Understanding. Details of these are subject to ongoing negotiation, and information of any exceptions will be published once negotiations conclude. The UK has been clear about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards, support public health, and support the use of new and innovative technologies.
Source
Inquiry
Animal and plant health
Report
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an SPS agreement work
05 Feb 2026
HC 1661
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
05 Feb 2026