MPs will debate a petition relating to cages and crates for farmed animals
11 June 2025
On Monday 16 June, MPs will debate a petition relating to cages and crates for farmed animals.
- Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 16 June)
- Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
- Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter
Irene Campbell MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.
"End the use of cages and crates for all farmed animals"
The petition, which has received more than 104,000 signatures, stated: "We think the UK Government must ban all cages for laying hens as soon as possible.
"We think it should also ban the use of all cage and crates for all farmed animals including:
- • farrowing crates for sows
- • individual calf pens
- • cages for other birds, including partridges, pheasants and quail"
In its response to the petition, provided on 17 February 2025, the Government said: "This Government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation. The use of cages and crates is an issue we are now considering very carefully."
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.
Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright