Conservative panel warns against lowering animal welfare standards during trade negotiations

The UK government must not “fall down a slippery slope” in trade negotiations over animal welfare standards, according to Sir David Amess.

Speaking at a Conservative party conference fringe event called “What’s the beef”, the MP for Southend West said the ramifications of post-Brexit trade deals “could be felt for decades”.

The comments come following a free trade deal struck with Australia this year which sparked concerns over the potential implications for animal welfare standards. The RSPCA has previously warned that the deal “could set a dangerous precedent”.

Fellow Conservative MP Theresa Villiers echoed Sir David’s comments. The former minister for environment, food and rural affairs stated that if the Conservative party are to continue to be taken seriously on animal welfare, then “it has to be seen in our trade policy”.