Britain led the way in introducing tough new rules to protect animals in a range of areas, from battery hens to the welfare of pigs. We want to see humane treatment of animals across the whole of Europe. Conservative MEPs will continue to take the lead in pressing for Britain s high standards of animal welfare to be reflected across Europe. We will press for animal welfare standards to be incorporated in all the new rules for giving direct payments to farmers across Europe, under the revised CAP arrangements. These should be implemented rigorously.
Conservatives also support proposals to improve conditions for laying hens.