British law prohibits the slaughtering of animals unless they have been stunned, but there are exemptions for Jewish and Muslim producers.

Under halal law, animals are supposed to be killed quickly by single cut from a surgically-sharp knife and while the vast majority of halal meat is stunned, some is not.

The RSPCA has expressed concern that killing animals without stunning them can cause them to suffer because stunning them ensures they do not feel pain.

The RSPCA said it hoped the CCTV move will ultimately lead to an end to slaughter without pre-stunning.

Dr Marc Cooper from the organisation said: “We are encouraged that the issue of slaughter is being brought to the forefront by this announcement and hope this will pave the way for other welfare issues like non-stun slaughter, which the RSPCA firmly opposes, to also be addressed by the Government.

“We are currently urging the public to sign the HM Government petition calling for an end to slaughter without pre-stunning.”

Under the Government’s plans CCTV footage will be made available to Food Standards Agency vets who are tasked with monitoring and enforcing animal welfare standards in slaughterhouses.

Those found to have breached rules can face enforcement action, have staff licences revoked or be referred for a criminal investigation.