MPs
MPs and the halal slaughter debate
The Members of Parliament whose record on halal and kosher slaughter is most relevant to this campaign — their statements, votes, and positions in the House of Commons. More MPs will be added as the research continues.
Sheep in distress on the kill floor of an English halal slaughterhouse
Source: Still from “HALAL SLAUGHTERHOUSE EXPOSED IN ENGLAND (EXTREMELY GRAPHIC)”, Joey Carbstrong / YouTube. Watch on YouTube
Yasmin Qureshi MP
Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden
Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, has been one of the most vocal defenders of halal slaughter in Parliament. She was born in Pakistan of two Pakistani parents and came to the UK aged nine. She was elected to Parliament in 2010.
As far back as 2014, Qureshi was opposing mandatory labelling of halal and kosher meat, arguing that claims about halal slaughter being more painful than stunning were a myth. Her position has remained consistent and unapologetic throughout her parliamentary career, making her the most prominent and persistent defender of the practice in the House of Commons.
In the June 2025 Westminster Hall debate, Qureshi was direct in her condemnation of the campaign to ban non-stun slaughter. On the question of labelling, she stated she was “very happy” for halal and kosher meat to be clearly labelled.