Tories’ manifesto pledge to protect shechita

The Conservative Party has pledged to protect religious slaughter if it is returned to government in next month’s general election.

The party’s manifesto highlights the issue of shechita and halal food production following increased speculation about the future of the practices in Britain.

“We want people to integrate fully into British society, but that does not mean they should have to give up the things they hold dear in their religion,” the policy document states.

“So while we will always make sure the Food Standards Agency properly regulates the slaughter of livestock and poultry, we will protect methods of religious slaughter, such as shechita and halal.”