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In England we have just come to the end of a 12 week public consultation on Council Directive 2007/43 which sets down minimum welfare rules for meat chickens excluding flocks with less than 500 birds, hatcheries, breeding chickens and extensive indoor, free-range, and organic meat chicken. We will carefully consider responses received.

The Directive contains a provision for the labelling of poultrymeat. The Commission will report by 1 December 2009 on the possible introduction of a specified harmonised mandatory labelling scheme for chicken meat, meat products and preparations based on compliance with animal welfare standards. The report will consider the possible implications for the community's economic partners and the compliance of such a labelling scheme with World Trade Oranisations rules. The Commission's Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010 also envisages an EU wide welfare labelling scheme which aims to promote EU products and recognises those producers who adopt higher welfare standards.

In the meantime, the EU Poultrymeat Marketing Standards Regulation specifies the criteria which must be met before claims about certain types of farming can be made such as free-range, extensive indoor etc.

Chicken Out! is delighted that a parliamentary motion has achieved a record number of MPs publicly showing support for higher welfare standards for chickens. With over 167,000 people now signed up to the Chicken Out! campaign and this unprecedented level of parliamentary support for animal welfare, it clearly shows that the welfare of chickens is being taken seriously.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their MP – together we are making a difference to the lives of millions of chickens.