I have been contacted regarding Religious Slaughter.
The Government encourages the highest standards of welfare at slaughter and would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter. However, it is also important to respect the rights of Jewish and Muslim people to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.
Religious slaughter can only be permitted to be carried out by licensed slaughtermen in approved slaughterhouses. Religious slaughter is not permitted in any other place, even for personal consumption.
I appreciate the strength of feeling on this issue and will share them with my Ministerial Colleagues.
