The UK’s latest trade deal risks flooding the market with low-welfare chicken

It’s a move that would threaten British farming, roll back animal welfare progress, and completely contradict the government’s own promises to uphold high standards.

Trade deals like this aren’t just about tariffs and profits, they also shape how animals are treated, how food is produced, and what kind of farming future we’re building. This one sends entirely the wrong message.

A serious risk to animal welfare

British poultry farmers are required to meet welfare standards that are stronger than in many parts of the world. But those standards are already under pressure and trade deals like this risk dragging them even lower.

But the countries involved in this deal have far lower standards. In some cases:

• Chickens are given less than half the space compared to UK farms.

• There are no limits on the number of birds kept in one shed.

• Non-stun slaughter is common.

• Hygiene standards don’t guarantee clean or enriched environments -just that the meat doesn’t pose a human health risk.

In short, these are production systems that would be illegal in the UK.

What’s at stake?

Opening the UK market to unlimited imports of this kind of chicken would undercut British farmers who’ve invested in higher welfare systems. It would also betray the public, who overwhelmingly support better treatment for farmed animals.

The government has already faced criticism for compromising welfare in trade deals with Australia and New Zealand. This new deal with the GCC could go even further.

Mark Borthwick, World Animal Protection, UK Farming Policy Manager said:

We are extremely concerned that this proposed trade deal undermines UK animal welfare standards. There is a significant risk of opening markets to meat produced to far lower welfare standards than those in the UK.

It would be disastrous if there were no limits on the amount of chicken meat being brought into the UK. This could undermine the competitive advantage of British farmers who have invested in higher welfare standards, and reverse hard-won progress in animal protection. Welfare is not covered by hygiene standards. These standards do not require animals to be kept in clean spaces – chickens could still be kept in filthy, overcrowded conditions. As negotiations continue, it's essential that the UK's commitment to animal welfare isn't compromised in pursuit of new trade opportunities.

We need a Just Transition for UK Farmers

World Animal Protection is calling for a Just Transition in farming - a move away from industrial systems that treat animals as commodities, towards farming that protects animals, supports farmers, and works in harmony with nature.

Undermining higher welfare farming through reckless trade deals takes us in the opposite direction. It encourages more intensive, low-cost systems that cause immense suffering and rely on cruel, unsustainable practices.

Instead of chasing short-term trade wins, the UK government should be using its trade policy to strengthen animal welfare, not weaken it.

Find out more