HALAL AND SHECHITA SLAUGHTER

Early day motion 983, tabled 27 March 2003 by David Lidington (Conservative). Signed by 17 members.

That this House, while wanting to see every practical effort made to improve the welfare of farmed animals, also believes that freedom of religion is integral to a free society; recognises the importance of halal and shechita methods of slaughter to Britain's Muslim and Jewish communities; expresses concern that reported proposals, however well-intentioned, from the Farm Animal Welfare Council may impose unacceptable restrictions on religious freedom; and calls upon the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to defend the liberty of religious minorities.

Signatures by party: Conservative 9, Labour 3, Liberal Democrat 2, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 1.