- A Parliamentary petition that has reached almost 110,000 signatures to “End the Cage Age” for all farmed animals is due to be debated in Parliament at 16:30 tonight
- Matt will be leading the debate in Westminster Hall
- Today, 34% of all hens, rabbits, quail and calves on UK farms are behind bars. That equates to 16.5 million animals in cages.
Following a petition to “End the Cage Age for all farmed animals” reaching almost 110,000 signatures online, the subject will be debated in Parliament today.
Every year across the UK, millions of farmed animals are kept in cages, unable to express their natural behaviours and experiencing huge suffering.
Commenting, Matt said:
"I am proud of the work done so far to protect farm animals. We have already introduced legislation to ban barren battery cages and offered support to British farmers to transition away from cages, but the current widespread use of cages to keep farm animals is a stain on our otherwise proud record on animal welfare.
“We took a decision as a nation to distinguish ourselves to the world and underline what it means to be British. Whilst Europe might run around like headless chickens, we now find ourselves in a fantastic position to continue leading on animal welfare standards.
“Great British Farmers already ensure our animals are kept to the highest of international standards and now we must work with them to strive for even better care.
“I am delighted to see such a broad recognition of the importance of championing animal welfare standards and I am privileged to be able to play my part by leading this debate today."
