Shechita UK chief ‘appalled’ by claim of threats to meat reform MPs
Shimon Cohen says no MP campaigning for reforms to non-stun animal slaughter should feel 'unsafe' - and calls for debate over the issue to be held in 'good faith'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Shechita UK’s Shimon Cohen has said he is “appalled” at reports that police have recommended increased security measures for MPs supporting proposed reforms that could threaten the production of kosher and halal meat.
The Sunday Times said officers have issued a private warning to several MPs who have backed legal changes that would dramatically cut the number of animals slaughtered without first being stunned in the UK.
It is claimed one MP, who has campaigned openly on issue of animal slaughter, was visited by police and warned they should “be careful what you say publicly on this issue.”
Another parlimentarian said police had raised concerns about the safety of any MP who was seen to be questioning the religious right for kosher and halal meat.
Cohen, Shechita UK’s campaign director, told Jewish News:” We are appalled at reports that MPs have been made aware of security threats when raising issues regarding non-mechanically stunned slaughter.
“No MP should ever feel threatened or unsafe.”
Jewish News revealed earlier this month that there was growing support amongst senior and backbench for the proposals, with the Tory MP Chris Loder planning to lay an ammendment to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which is being given its second reading tomorrow.
The proposals have received support at ministerial level, with claims they can be supported, without impacting on the religious right of Jews and Muslims in this country.
“This is an important debate and we are proud of the positive interactions we continue to have with stakeholders with a variety of views, as well as Ministers, MPs, and officials across the political spectrum,” added Shechita UK’s Cohen.
“We will continue to engage in good faith and trust that discussions can remain pragmatic, respectful, and most importantly safe throughout.”
Sir David Amess, who was murdered in his constituency surgery in Leigh on Sea nine days ago, in an alleged terrorist attack, had been a long-standing animal rights campaigner, and supported reforms over the slaugher of animals.
Ali Harbi Ali, 25, has been charged with his murder and of preparing acts of terrorism between May 2019 and September this year.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
