MPs backing reform of the law over kosher and halal animal slaughter have been told to boost their security in the wake of the murder of Sir David Amess.
Currently some livestock killed to adhere to religious rules followed by Muslims and Jews is not stunned into unconsciousness beforehand, something some welfare campaigners want banned.
Now, MPs backing a law that would limit the number animals that can be killed in this way have been warned to ‘be cautious what you publicly say on this topic’.
According to the Sunday Times, they were also advised to review their personal security.
It comes after MPs were offered security guards to watch over them when meeting the public under a security review prompted by the murder of Tory Sir David in Southend.
Currently some livestock killed to adhere to religious rules followed by Muslims and Jews is not stunned into unconsciousness beforehand, something some welfare campaigners want banned.
It comes after MPs were given security guards to watch them when they met the public in a security review that was prompted by the death of Tory sir David in Southend.
Sir David was a strong animal welfare supporter. Chris Loder, Tory colleague, is now planning to amend the Kept Animal Bill to reduce the number of un-stunned deaths in the UK.
Victoria Prentis, Defra Minister, suggested earlier this month that ministers could support such a move.
She said, “We must be very sensitive about this.” We will be very sensitive about this. It is not the government’s policy. It will be a backbencher’s amendment.
“We will have the responsibility to ensure that different religions still have the right to eat the meat they choose.
“But there are many ways to do it so you slaughter to your specifications. You shouldn’t slaughter unnecessary large numbers of animals without stunning.
“So we are determined if this bill is amended in such a way that it might allow for this discussion in a sensitive, grown-up manner.
Halal slaughter can include both stun and unstun slaughter. The Food Standards Agency stated that 88% of animals killed in Halal slaughterhouses had been stunned in a manner considered acceptable by many Muslims.
However, not all religion followers agree with Shechita. Shechita is a kosher method of killing animals.
Last week, MPs were informed that they would be able to use a ‘trained, accredited security operative’ for constituency surgeries following the stabbing of Sir David, 69.
In a joint letter, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Home Secretary, and Sir Priti Patel, Commons Speaker, warned MPs that a small number of hostile individuals could pose a threat to their safety.
The veteran Tory Southend West representative was shot to death during a constituency procedure in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, five years after Jo Cox was killed in a similar situation.
Sir Lindsay and Mrs Patel wrote to MPs, acknowledging that they are concerned about their safety, security, and the safety of their staff, in a letter first reported on The Times.
The letter also stated that the work you do could put you at odds to a wide range ideologies and viewpoints. A small minority of hostile individuals might be motivated by grievances, which are difficult to detect or predict.
They claimed that a security operative with accreditation and training will be available to visit your constituency surgeries.