More than 43,000 people have signed a petition calling for the continued protection of religious slaughter in Britain.

Manchester's Jewish Representative Council and the city's Muslim Jewish Forum created the petition this week.

The move comes ahead of a parliamentary debate due to take place on Monday at which MPs will discuss the future of non-stun slaughter.

The debate was prompted by a petition launched by the British Veterinary Association, which was signed by more than 100,000 people during the past nine months. It calls for the end of kosher and halal meat production in this country.

Rep Council vice-president Jonny Wineberg said: "The BVA petition is mendacious. What they're doing is trying not to look at the science that's out there that says when religious slaughter is done correctly it is virtually painless for the animal.

"It's irresponsible of the BVA not to look properly at the science. What it should be doing is looking to improve other practices and set the highest standards for all slaughter."

A petition to make CCTV mandatory in slaughterhouses also secured the backing of 100,000 people this week.

The Shechita UK campaign group has briefed almost 70 MPs ahead of next week's debate. There will be no vote at the end of the session.