MP Letter

I am writing to you as a constituent and a proud citizen of the UK. I wish to share my concern and support for an issue very close to my beliefs: animal welfare.

Whilst the Government is doing commendable work to improve animal welfare, I believe the slaughter of animals is being overlooked. You will be aware that there is significant demand amongst the wider public to ban non-stun slaughter, which effectively calls for an end to the practice of slaughtering animals by throat cutting whilst they are still conscious — something that many find deeply distressing.

This issue matters greatly to me personally. As a Sikh, welfare for all living beings is paramount.

Adherents of the Sikh faith are not permitted to consume non-Jhatka meat, meaning that halal and kosher meat are explicitly prohibited. The Sikh method, known as Jhatka, is an instant method of slaughter. It is practised through full, irreversible stunning followed by decapitation, rather than the industry-standard method of throat cutting.

This campaign is being led by the Sikh community organisation, Jhatka Council, with support from Gurinder Singh Josan CBE MP (Smethwick). I would be very grateful if you could contact him to express my support and to obtain updates on the progress of this campaign.

I also wish to express my support for the proposed Bill to introduce compulsory labelling of halal and kosher meat. This proposal is not about banning these products, but about ensuring transparency and enabling informed consumer choice. At present, many people are unaware of how their meat is produced and may unknowingly purchase meat from non-stun slaughter.

Clear labelling would allow individuals to make informed decisions based on their own ethical or religious beliefs. Given the strong public concern surrounding animal welfare and food production methods, this is a simple and reasonable step. It would improve transparency whilst continuing to respect religious practices.

The Sikh community also reaffirms that Jhatka meat would be clearly labelled, further supporting consumer confidence and choice.

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