Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Members of the Senedd will wish to be aware that I have given my consent to the UK Government to exercise a subordinate legislation-making power in a devolved area in relation to Wales.
The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Enforcement Regulations 2024 (“the Regulations”) were laid before the UK Parliament on 12 September, in exercise of powers conferred under The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024 (“the Act”).
The Act makes provisions to prohibit the export of cattle and other bovine animals, sheep, goats, pigs or wild boar, and horses or other equine animals (“relevant livestock”) for slaughter, including fattening for subsequent slaughter. Where exporting is sending or attempted sending from Great Britain to anywhere outside the British Islands or the transportation or attempted transportation, or the organising or attempting to organise the transport of relevant livestock from or through Great Britain to anywhere outside the British Islands.
The Regulations establish enforcement powers, offences, and penalties relating to the prohibition on the export of relevant livestock for slaughter, including fattening for subsequent slaughter.
It is normally the policy of the Welsh Government to legislate for Wales in matters of devolved competence. However, in certain circumstances there are benefits to working collaboratively with the UK Government where there is a clear rationale for doing so. On this occasion, I have given my consent to the UK Government to make the Regulations. This approach will ensure the Regulations are introduced simultaneously across England, Wales, and Scotland, and for coherent, centrally coordinated communications with stakeholders. Livestock transport journeys can start and travel through the different countries of Great Britain to reach destination. Separate regulations, or any divergence in the coming into force of regulations, across Great Britain could lead to complexity, inconsistencies and administrative burden for industry and enforcement agencies.
Welsh Government officials have a good working relationship with their Defra counterparts and will continue to work with them and the Scottish Government to strengthen the protection of animal welfare during transport, maintaining positive and constructive intergovernmental relations.
The Regulations were laid before the UK Parliament, using the draft affirmative procedure, on 12 September and are scheduled to come into force on 1 January 2025.