Published 17/12/2010

The vote on beak trimming

Following the concerns of MPs John McDonnell, Sheila Gilmore and Mary Glindon, the House of Commons took a vote on whether the legislation to postpone the ban on beak trimming should come into force or not.

The Government was in the final stages of removing the ban on beak trimming, due to come into force in January 2011, when three Labour MPs forced the full vote on Wednesday 15th December.

The results

As there wasn't a majority of NO votes, this unfortunately means that the Government will not be forced to reconsider the law and fix a firm date for implementing the beak-trimming ban. However, we were hugely encouraged to see the number of MPs who, with prompting from you, were prepared to stand up for the welfare of egg laying hens:

• 221 MPs voting NO (not to postpone the ban)
• 304 MPs voting YES (to postpone the ban)

What this means

These results send a clear message to the Government and the egg industry that there is strong support (across all parties) for an end to beak trimming.

Raising the profile of the issue, these results will greatly assist the Beak Trimming Action Group (of which Compassion is a member) in its work with the industry to end this practice for good.

Thank you

Compassion would like to thank everyone who has supported this campaign. The fight isn't over yet and we will keep you informed of any new developments in the coming months.