THE MP for Mid Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston has explained why he voted against transferring the ‘Animal Sentience’ clause from European legislation to UK law.
The issue was discussed during the EU (Withdrawal) Bill debate in Parliament.
It follows an amendment to the legislation, tabled by Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas, to transfer the EU protocol on sentience which relates to animals experience feelings (including pain).
But the motion to transfer the clause across was defeated in the House of Commons with 295 voting for and 313 against.
The Government has since said Ministers were considering how to amend UK law to recognise animal sentience after Brexit.
Mr Huddleston was one of the 315 who voted against transferring the clause.
He said he was proud the UK had some of the highest animal welfare standards in the World and welcomed that Ministers had been clear they intended it to remain World-leading once the UK left the EU.
“Most of the EU animal welfare laws which will be converted to UK laws by the EU (Withdrawal) Bill relate to farmed animals and many were passed after Article 13 came into effect.
“Furthermore, the UK has been given a grade A rating for its formal recognition of animal sentience by the Animal Protection Index, while other Lisbon Treaty signatories such as France, Italy and Spain have been given grade C.
“I therefore believe existing UK legislation, which provides necessary and appropriate protection for animals in this country, will not be weakened when we leave the EU.”
