New UK government appoints Secretary of State in charge of pet food and rural affairs

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has appointed Steve Reed as its new Secretary of State. His tenure will be guided by 5 core priorities, including supporting farmers to promote food security, protecting nature and moving to a zero-waste economy.

Reed, who was the Labour Party’s Shadow Environment Secretary, recently contributed to the Animal Welfare bill in the House of Commons. He supported the crackdown on puppy smuggling.

“Animal welfare is of the highest concern to the British public,” he admitted during a parliamentary session in March.

The appointment extends the newly elected Labour Government’s commitment to animal welfare. The Labour Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) says it will support Defra in building legislation to improve animals’ lives.

Industry reaction

UK Pet Food congratulated Reed on his appointment and expressed the local pet food industry’s keenness to work with the new administration led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“Our members are responsible for feeding the nation’s 36 million pets, and we are strongly aligned on supporting farmers, promoting food security and protecting nature,” says UK Pet Food’s Deputy Chief Executive Nicole Paley.

UK Pet Food released a manifesto in June highlighting priorities and requests for the new government. These included a request for developing and supporting alternative proteins to produce safe and sustainable pet food.

The body seeks improvement in the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, removing UK-wide ‘Not for EU’ labeling and establishing a Common Veterinary Area to “improve animal welfare, facilitate trade and provide stability and clarity for businesses.”