A number of constituents have contacted me regarding caged farm animals.

Since publishing the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, the Government has delivered an ambitious legislative programme, bringing significant improvements for animals both in the UK and abroad. Ministers are firmly committed to maintaining the UK’s strong track record on animal welfare and to delivering continued improvements, both in the course of this Parliament and beyond.

Ministers do not believe that the time is right to consult on cage reforms, recognising some of the challenges that numerous sectors have faced in recent years. The market is already driving the move away from using cages for laying hen production, with over 60 per cent of eggs coming from free range production. Regarding pigs, the UK also has a significant outdoor pig sector, with 40 per cent of the national sow breeding herd farrow freely on outdoor pig units with no option of confinement.

The Government will continue to work with the sector to maintain and enhance high standards of welfare. For example, the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway will prioritise areas for additional improvement in the health and welfare for pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry. One of the Government’s priorities for the pathway includes supporting producers to transition away from confinement systems.