Bristol MP calls for cow flatulence debate

Meat eaters should consider the impact flatulent cows have on the environment when choosing what to have for dinner, a city MP was set to tell Parliament on Wednesday.

Gas emitted by livestock, as well as the vast swathes of land needed to grow their feed, means they account for 18 per cent of greenhouse gases, according to Kerry McCarthy.

The Bristol East MP – who as a vegan eats no animal produce – has secured a Westminster Hall debate to raise awareness about the impact of the livestock industry on climate change.

She believes that the effects of meat production must be looked at, as well as the environmental fall-out from regional airports.

Ms McCarthy said: "It sounds like a joke but flatulent and burping cows do have an impact on greenhouse gases."

It comes on the back of a report by Friends of the Earth called What's feeding our food? that shows the environmental cost of imported soy to feed chickens, pigs and other livestock.

The group wants the government to support small UK farmers to help them to produce home grown animal feeds.