As part of its Election Manifesto for the upcoming UK General Election, Labour has announced that, if elected, it will ban the import of foie gras.
In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday 4th June, Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed MP commented on a clip released by animal rights group, Animal Equality.
"The Conservatives are on the side of that kind of cruelty to animals," Reed said. "Labour will ban the import of foie gras, that is made following these abhorrent, cruel practices."
Foie gras is made from fattened goose or duck liver. As part of the production process, birds are intensively traditionally-fed to swell the liver meat, which is processed into a mouse, parfait or pâté.
A ban on imports of foie gras was due to come into place under the Conservative Government's Animals Abroad Bill, but plans were halted early last year.
In contrast to the claims made by Reed, speaking at the time, a Government spokesperson said: "Future legislation to ban the imports of fur and foie gras has not been “dropped” or “shelved”. However, with limited Parliamentary time available, other important legislation is currently taking priority."
The practice of force-feeding animals has been banned in the UK under animal welfare laws for over a decade.
