THE RSPCA are urging Cumbrian MPs to stand against lower welfare imports being allowed to come to the UK.

The Lords voted through a new amendment to the Agriculture Bill which banned imports of products produced to a lower welfare standard than in the UK.

However, as the bill returned to the Commons, MP support was low which might allow imports to include chlorinated chicken, eggs from hens kept in barren battery cages, pork from pigs reared in sow stalls and hormone beef. Products like this are made from lower welfare standards that mean they are illegal in the UK.

RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood said: “The Government must now honour its manifesto promise and back this amendment. MPs must vote with their conscience and reflect the feelings of the public."