Kerry McCarthy MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Minister, responding to news the government will keep animal welfare codes statutory, said:

“This is a victory for common sense. Labour has been calling on the Government to retain the statutory codes for farm animal welfare so it is welcome that Defra Ministers have finally listened.

“Pressure from campaigners and the public has clearly shown that abandoning the statutory codes could put animal welfare standards and consumer confidence at risk.

“However, the Government must still make the new guidance public before it comes into force to ensure any changes to the current standards can be debated in a transparent and accountable manner.”