Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that evidence on existing industry-led welfare standards is considered as part of her phased approach to considering policy on decapods used in scientific procedures; and whether she plans to consult (a) scientific, (b) industry (c) animal welfare representatives, and (d) other stakeholders.

The Government has committed to a phased, proportionate and evidence-based approach to developing welfare arrangements for decapod crustaceans used in science.

Existing industry led welfare standards and evidence of current practice will inform this work. The initial phase includes considering and supporting appropriate baseline welfare standards, alongside voluntary reporting and further work to address evidence and technical gaps. This will support welfare improvements while building the evidence needed to inform any future consideration of including decapods as protected animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The Government will engage with scientific and industry representatives, animal welfare organisations and other relevant stakeholders as the work progresses. This engagement will help ensure that the approach reflects scientific evidence, existing good practice and the practical implications for those using decapods in research.