The National Sheep Association said a new report warning parliamentarians of the disparity between UK animal welfare and that of nations locked in free trade negotiations should be reassuring for sheep farmers fearing substandard imports.
The NSA said it was pleased to attend the launch of the report titled ‘Closing the Welfare Gap: Why the UK Must Apply Its Animal Protection Standards to Imports’ yesterday (Tuesday, April 29).
NSA welcomes the publication at a time when current market forces make the publication of particular relevance.
“The tone and message of the report are fully endorsed by NSA. The timing is also apt,” said Michael Priestley, NSA policy manager.
“Australian sheep meat imports are rising, with Australian lamb production breaking records last year. Meanwhile, UK sheepmeat output slumped to a 39-year record low in 2024. Only in 2001 – the harrowing foot and mouth disease year – has sheepmeat been lower, according to Defra data to 1985.
“Meanwhile, there is no let-up in demand at home and abroad, meaning those looking to import lamb into the UK are leaning on an open door. In 1985 we produced 12% more lamb and had 20% less people living in the UK compared to 2024.”
Mr Priestley said that parliamentarians are understandably concerned about inflation and the affordability of the weekly shop, but it’s not acceptable for food to be imported that could not legally be produced domestically due to lower welfare standards.
“It’s duplicitous, and unfair on consumers, animals, and farmers,” he said. “The fact MPs from across the bench and influential charities are highlighting the differences between UK farming methods and those overseas should be comforting to farmers concerned about free trade deals in the post-Brexit era.
“Australian lamb imports rose 47% in 2024 to 19,300t, according to AHDB. The quota level in 2032 is 75,000t. As volumes rise, how can we be sure of the quality of the lamb and the standard of its production systems?”
Produced in partnership between Animal Policy International, Compassion in World Farming, and RSPCA, the report issues a stark warning around outsourcing cruelty by importing livestock products.
The report included a comparison of the UK’s requirements on tail docking, castration, and live lamb cutting (mulesing), with those of Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand.
At a time when Australian imports into the UK are rising year-on-year, NSA said it is heartening that animal welfare charities are fighting the UK sheep farmers’ corner.
