Westminster Food and Nutrition Forum – Animal Health, Welfare and standards in the UK Conference
Date: 12/10/2021
Online
This conference follows the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare, and will consider priorities for taking it forward and improving animal health, welfare, and standards in the UK.
The discussion will also consider key policy developments delivered as part of the Action Plan, such as the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, and the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which aim to legislate on core aspects of animal welfare, enhance protections for kept animals and pets, and formally recognise animals as sentient beings.
We are pleased to be able to welcome keynote contributions from Michael Seals, Chairman, Animal Health & Welfare Board for England, Defra; David Bowles, Head Public Affairs, RSPCA; Gareth Baynham-Hughes, Director, Animal and Plant Health and Welfare, Defra; and Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Health and Welfare, AHDB.
The agenda is structured to bring out latest thinking on:
– taking forward the Government’s plans for a revised approach to animal health, welfare, and standards
– key stakeholder perspectives on plans to improve welfare across the food and farming sector and on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway
– enshrining animal sentience in law and improving the welfare of kept animals in the UK – implications for policy and practice across the UK
– promoting high animal welfare standards abroad and the implications for future trade policy
Attendees
Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons, and officials from DAERA, NI; Defra; the Department for International Trade; the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the Veterinary Medicines Directorate; and the Welsh Government. Also due to attend are representatives from Beta Bugs; Clarke Willmott; International Meat Trade Association; RSPCA; and The Donkey Sanctuary.
Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government and regulatory officials involved in this area of policy, as well as representatives of the animal health and veterinary sectors, those interested in biodiversity and natural capital, the agriculture and food and drink industry – including associations, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers – local government officials, academics, lawyers, international attendees, charities, and consumer groups, together with reporters from the national and trade media, as well as reporters from the national and specialist media.
This 4 hour conference costs £190 plus VAT, though you can apply for a concessionary or free place.
