As the highest ranked G7 nation on World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, the UK is a world leader on animal welfare.
Much progress has been made over the last few years on animal welfare in the UK. This includes passing the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, recognising the sentience of vertebrate animals and some invertebrate animals. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act introduced tougher sentences for cruelty, increasing maximum sentences.
I understand that some organisations, including the RSPCA, have launched campaigns urging the Government to publish consultations on phasing out the use of enriched colony cages for laying hens and of farrowing crates for pigs. The RSPCA has played a significant role in leading the way on encouraging high standards when it comes to this issue, with RSPCA Assured not permitting the use of colony cages for laying hens or farrowing crates for pigs.
I also note that the market itself has been driving the move to alternative systems for laying hens away from the use of cages, primarily towards free range and barn. The transition to non-cage egg production has been supported by the major supermarkets, which have pledged to stop selling shell eggs from hens kept in colony cages by 2025. That shift by retailers has accelerated the move away from colony cage systems. Free-range eggs account for more than 60 per cent of total egg throughput in the UK.
In addition, the last Government announced a grant scheme to support laying-hen and pullet farmers with flocks of 1,000 birds or more to refurbish or replace existing housing, supporting a transition to cage-free systems.
In a recent Westminster Hall debate, the Minister highlighted the fact that, as with cages for laying hens, the issue of ending the use of pig farrowing crates does not only affect the UK industry, but is something that European trading partners are also considering. I understand that the Government is considering this issue carefully and I will monitor any developments closely.