A bill requiring compulsory labeling of halal and kosher meat has passed its first reading in the United Kingdom House of Commons. The proposal, introduced by Member of Parliament Esther McVey, aims to increase transparency and consumer choice by ensuring shoppers are informed about how animals were slaughtered. She said the measure is focused on animal welfare and does not seek to ban religious slaughter practices.

Current law generally requires animals to be stunned before slaughter, but exemptions allow non-stun killing for specific religious rites. There is no requirement to label such meat. Government data shows that a significant number of animals are slaughtered for halal production each year, and critics of the current system argue that meat from non-stun slaughter may be sold without consumers' knowledge.

Jewish religious authorities strongly rejected claims that kosher slaughter causes unnecessary suffering, stating that the method renders animals instantly insensible to pain. Representatives also expressed concern that the bill unfairly singles out religious communities, noting that many other slaughter methods are not subject to similar labeling proposals. They warned that the measure could stigmatize minority groups and called for a broader, more balanced approach if labeling reforms are pursued.