Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has “secured assurances” from the UK Government that animal welfare protections will be guaranteed in any trade agreement with the European Union.
The Government has issued guidance to help business as it prepares for a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the European Union.
The deal seeks to make it easier to trade and move plants, animals, food and related products between the UK and EU. It is expected to come into force next year.
The agreement was created after UK exports of food and agricultural goods to the EU fell by 22% since 2018.
The UK Government said that this represents “almost £4 billion in lost trade.”
During a meeting with environment minister Angela Eagle, Ms Jardine stressed that any future UK–EU deal must uphold the high animal welfare standards in place in the UK expected by residents.
Minister Eagle confirmed that maintaining strong animal welfare rules remains a government priority.
Ms Jardine said: “So many constituents have written to me concerned about the animal welfare implications of any new deal.
“They want certainty that it won’t be bargained away, to ensure a smoother frictionless system for exporters.
“I will continue to watch the progress of negotiations to ensure the best deal possible for all sectors.”
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2026/06/edinburgh-mp-told-animal-welfare-will-be-protected-in-eu-trade-deal/&media=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TER-20260221-DSC06123.jpg&description=Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has "secured assurances" from the UK Government that animal welfare protections will be guaranteed in any trade agreement with the European Union.){kind=link}