Animal Welfare Strategy: Rural Communities

Debate between Baroness Hayman of Ullock and Baroness Hunter of Auchenreoch

Thursday 12th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hunter of Auchenreoch]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what consideration they intend to give to the interests of rural communities in any forthcoming legislation on cruelty to animals arising from its Animal Welfare Strategy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Baroness Hayman of Ullock) (Lab)]

My Lords, the animal welfare strategy sets out a comprehensive package of reforms which will improve the lives of millions of animals across England, at home, on farm, and in the wild. In developing any legislation, we will of course take into consideration the viewpoints of all those with an interest in or who are impacted by the proposals and consider the costs and the benefits to a range of stakeholders, including those in rural communities.

[Baroness Hunter of Auchenreoch (Lab)]

My Lords, Hunter by name, but not by nature. I am from the countryside and remain so. I startled my community by giving up meat decades ago, having read an early, in-depth investigation into food production. Standards have been greatly raised since then, and I applaud the Government in taking these further steps. What plans do the Government have in these considerations to avoid being distracted from their priorities, and not repeating Sir Tony Blair’s admission, despite my best efforts, of being insensitive to countryside interests? What plans do they have to ensure swift consultation with the rural community on the economic impact on their livelihoods and what support can be provided in any transition?