Constituents have been contacteing me about a variety of animal welfare issues.

I support action to provide the biggest boost to animal welfare in a generation. I am in favour of the Government’s plans to end puppy smuggling. I know that alongside this, it is also considering evidence around the use of hand-controlled e-collars and their effects on animal welfare.

I am committed to supporting the uptake and development of alternative methods to the use of animals in science. Any work to phase out animal testing must be science-led and in lock step with our partners.

I stand behind pledges to ban the import of hunting trophies. I am glad the Government is currently considering the most effective way to implement this ban. It is also looking at a number of ways to tackle some of the other issues currently concerning constituents. For example, I understand Ministers are currently reviewing policies on fur and foie gras imports.
I’m pleased at the commitment that has been made to maintaining and improving animal welfare in our farming sector. I am aware that Ministers intend to fully consider the use of cages for farmed animals in due course.

As you may know, the Government recently signed the G20 Agricultural Declaration, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable agri-food systems. This declaration will help create sustainable and resilient global agriculture, essential to overcome poverty, climate change and biodiversity loss.

Speaking as a vegetarian of over 40 years, we are a nation of animal lovers. The Labour Government has made it clear that it wants to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in our generation and I look forward to helping it deliver this.

Best wishes

Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland