The European Union is reportedly preparing to offer the United Kingdom a significant concession in ongoing negotiations over a post-Brexit agricultural agreement, allowing Britain to retain its ban on live animal exports. This move would provide a notable boost for Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he seeks to strengthen ties with Brussels amid domestic political challenges.
Key Concession on Animal Welfare
European officials have indicated that the UK can keep its prohibition on the export of live animals—including cows, sheep, and pigs—for fattening or slaughter, even though the EU itself has not implemented such a ban. Sources on both sides of the negotiations confirmed that this carve-out is likely to be included in any joint deal on food and agricultural products. The concession is seen as a significant fillip for Starmer, who is working to negotiate closer EU relations across multiple areas, including emissions trading and youth mobility.
During a speech on Monday, Starmer highlighted the prospective EU agreement as one of three examples of his government's progress, as he faces growing calls from Labour MPs to resign after disappointing local election results. He stated, "The last government was defined by breaking our relationship with Europe; this Labour government will be defined by rebuilding our relationship with Europe."
Negotiation Details and Legal Framework
A British official expressed confidence in the deal, saying, "We're confident on this and don't think it's going to be an issue but of course negotiations are ongoing." The European Commission, which leads talks with the UK Cabinet Office, declined to comment while negotiations are in progress. However, a Brussels source noted that a framework agreement signed last May allows the UK to be exempted from EU regulations if its rules are stricter. Since the ban applies only to UK farmers, it would not negatively affect EU farmers.
A government spokesperson added, "We have a strong track record of delivering for animal welfare and the EU has accepted that there needs to be a number of areas where we need to retain our own rules. We are negotiating those now and won't provide a running commentary on negotiations. What we will do is secure a deal that could be worth up to £5.1bn for the British economy and delivers the best outcome for the British people."
Starmer hopes to finalise an agricultural trade deal as one of three key elements of a new EU agreement to be announced at a summit this summer. However, negotiations are currently stalled over a dispute regarding tuition fees for European students under a youth mobility scheme. An agricultural deal is expected to be more straightforward, though the UK will seek opt-outs in several areas beyond live animal exports.
Animal Welfare Concerns and Legal Implications
The EU is the world's largest exporter of live farm animals, but animal welfare campaigners condemn the practice, citing overcrowding, exhaustion, dehydration, and stress. The previous Conservative government under Rishi Sunak imposed the ban in 2024, claiming it "capitalis[ed] on post-Brexit freedoms and bolster[ed] the UK's position as a world leader in animal welfare standards." Legal experts warned that without a specific exemption, the UK would be forced to abandon the ban entirely.
Catherine Barnard, a professor of European law at the University of Cambridge, explained, "There would need to be an express carve-out in the SPS [sanitary and phytosanitary] agreement. People in the UK care very much about this, so while in the EU the UK tried and failed to stop exports in the past." David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, emphasised, "It is vital – in the interests of these animals – that this successful ban is protected. An exemption is vital, and will help protect things like the prohibition of live exports, puppy imports, and bans on cages for farmed animals."
However, the UK has already made concessions on other animal welfare rules. Last month, The Guardian revealed that the EU is likely to block ministers from enacting a pre-election pledge to ban foie gras imports and will not allow the UK to prohibit fur imports. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds defended these compromises, stating, "The prize is big. We can talk about the detail, but the overall prize here is to bring down the barriers at the border."
