The UK-EU dispute over sandeels
On 28 to 30 January 2025, the EU and the UK will take part in an arbitration hearing in The Hague in a dispute over the UK ban on sandeel fishing in its waters.

This note covers welfare issues relating to chickens kept for meat - unlike battery hens, which are kept for eggs.
Broiler chickens and poultrymeat (192 KB , PDF)
• This note covers some issues relating to the broiler chickens, which are kept for poultrymeat. Another note, Battery hens (SN/SC/1367) covers battery hens, which are kept for eggs, including the delay to the ban on beak trimming. More information is available on a Defra webpage, Poultry welfare.
• Before 2007 there were no specific EU animal welfare rules relating to boiler chickens.
• The 2007 EU Directive actually allowed the possibility of higher stocking density than those allowed in the UK. After consultation, Defra rejected the option of increasing stocking density.
• Opinions are sharply divided on the feasibility of satisfying demand for chicken meat by increasing the production of free range chickens.
• The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (SI 2010 No3033) implemented the 2007 Directive in December 2010.
Broiler chickens and poultrymeat (192 KB , PDF)
On 28 to 30 January 2025, the EU and the UK will take part in an arbitration hearing in The Hague in a dispute over the UK ban on sandeel fishing in its waters.
At the Autumn 2024 Budget, the government announced that, from April 2026, it would restrict the inheritance tax relief available for agricultural and business property. There has been significant debate over how many farms and other businesses this measure would affect.
A debate has been scheduled in Westminster Hall for 2.30pm on 3 December on family farming in Devon. The debate will be opened by Sir Geoffrey Cox MP.