THE Conservative South Lakes candidate called for an end to the importation of low-welfare eggs from overseas and claims that it is undercutting the domestic egg market. 

Matty Jackman said that there has been a 10 per cent fall in domestic egg production in 2023 because of a rise in costs. Meanwhile, there has been an almost 300 per cent increase in egg imports from Italy and a 2000 per cent increase in imports from Poland, according to Animal and Plant Health Agency figures. 

He claims that these eggs are often below UK regulations and food standards. 

He said: "It is disappointing to see an increase in imported low-welfare eggs from abroad."

"These eggs are often lower quality and in a case in 2023, a salmonella outbreak was linked to Polish eggs."

"At a time where producers are struggling, we need to support domestically. I would implore people to look for the 'Red Lion', which is a mark of quality and assurance of safety."

"The importing of low-welfare eggs undermines domestic producers and our animal welfare standards."

"I am calling on supermarkets and the Government to support our local farmers and protect our record on standards."

"It is time we stopped the importation of low-welfare eggs.  UK eggs are held to a higher standard with which the imported eggs would not conform."

Mr Jackman also claimed that some eggs imported from Poland can be traced to Ukraine, which has not ended battery farming. He said that there is a 'significant chance' that these eggs would break both EU and UK regulations.