Former Lib Dem Leader Tim Farron has called on the government to commit to keeping animal welfare laws after Britain has left the EU.

The South Lakes MP today met with representatives from Cumbrian eggs business ‘Lakes Free Range’ at an event in Parliament hosted by the RSPCA to discuss the impact of Brexit on farm animal welfare.

The event focussed on what effects the UK leaving the EU would have on the future of animal welfare and what would need to be done to ensure their continued protection.

At present, 80 per cent of the UK’s animal welfare legislation comes from the EU, directly impacting the welfare of farm animals in Westmorland and Lonsdale.

Lakes Free Range works to provide the best environment for their hens and was home to the first carbon neutral egg packing facility in the UK and the first to guarantee farm of origin for all of their eggs.

Tim said:

“It was really good to meet with Lakes Free Range to learn about their work locally and their commitment to the environment and animal welfare.

“But I remain concerned about the future of animal welfare in the UK once we have left the European Union.

“There should be a commitment from the government to ensure that current EU animal welfare law remains a part of our law post-Brexit.”