By Iain Richards, veterinary ecologist, Heversham:

IN DECEMBER 1965 a government report on the welfare of animals in agriculture was published.

This report (the Brambell report) established the concept of the ‘five freedoms’ – freedom from hunger and thirst; from discomfort; from pain, injury or disease; from fear and distress; and freedom to express normal behaviour.

These principles have guided animal welfare laws and codes ever since, both in the UK and throughout the rest of the world. They are principles that all good stock-keepers will recognise and do instinctively, recognising that good production can only occur with good welfare.

And these principles have in general been a force for good for animals in agriculture. As a result, the UK has among the highest welfare standards anywhere in the world, mostly as a result of our own decisions and legislation.

It was disappointing then to see the Government vote against an amendment to the Agriculture Bill that was designed to protect these standards. By voting against the amendment our government is effectively allowing the UK farming industry to be undercut by produce coming from areas with lower standards. I was particularly disappointed that four of Cumbria’s MPs voted against the amendment - if they’d like to explain to me why they apparently want lower welfare of animals, I am open to discussion.

In response to the amendment’s defeat, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has organised an online petition which currently stands at more than one million signatures. And I was heartened to see the supermarket Booths make a statement on its Twitter account urging customers to sign the petition, something that would be good to see all food retailers supporting. The petition is still live on the NFU website if you too would like to give your support to maintaining the welfare of animals in UK farming.