Following the conclusion of this week’s House of Commons proceedings on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill came the debate I secured on an animal welfare issue which is also linked to carrying out Brexit.

Foie gras is a ‘product’ derived from fatty livers of ducks or geese after they have been force-fed maize repeatedly, by having a metal tube inserted down their throats two or three times a day.

While domestic production of foie gras is thankfully banned in this country, the importing of it is still allowed – a double standard we need to put right.

After leaving the EU’s single market, Britain will be able to make the decision to ban imports of this so-called delicacy. I urge the Government to take this action in line with the progress we’ve seen in recent years in the area of animal rights.

The Ivory Bill will help protect the approximate 20,000 elephants slaughtered each year for their ivory. This week and next I am serving on the Public Bill Committee for this important legislation. I also welcome the introduction of CCTV in slaughterhouses which I have previously called for in the House of Commons.

As Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare these are causes I continue to pursue.

Henry Smith MP
Crawley Constituency