Speaking up on Animal Welfare
Half of the adult population in Britain owns a pet. We are a nation of animal lovers, and our legislation should reflect this.
Animal welfare is an issue I am very passionate about, and it has remained a guiding principle for me since I was first elected as the MP for Stockport in 2019.
After years of broken promises under the previous Conservative Government, I welcome this Labour Government's Animal Welfare Strategy, which was published in December 2025. This strategy protects animals at home, on the farm, and in the wild. The strategy delivers key Labour 2024 Manifesto commitments such as banning trail hunting, ending the use of snare traps and ending puppy smuggling and farming.
You can see the full strategy here:- https://tinyurl.com/tefrp6js
While I am thankful to this Government for taking this step, I continue to push for improved animal rights and protections.
In January this year, I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the Animal Welfare Strategy. I argued that due to the Government's stated aim to deliver the strategy by 2030, prioritisation is essential.
I also raised my concerns that a ban on trophy hunting imports was not a feature in the Animal Welfare Strategy. I asked that the Government introduce a Bill to end trophy hunting imports as a priority. I also urged the Government to ban all male chick culling and support the smooth implementation of mandated in-ovo sexing in British hatcheries. You may see my full speech via this link:- https://tinyurl.com/3e4tmab4
Again, in February 2026, I spoke in another Westminster Hall debate titled 'Animals in Science Regulation Unit: Annual Report 2024'. This time I raised my objections to continued animal testing in Britain; the figures are significant and it is likely these do not give the full picture of to what extent animal testing is still an issue today.
As such, I urged the Government to introduce Herbie's Law without delay. I believe we should harness our world-leading innovation, medical research and technological advancements for animal-free and humane testing. Britain has an opportunity to set an example in this field and to cut out the senseless suffering.
You may read my full speech via this link:- https://tinyurl.com/2eyza5az
Alongside this, I have continued to question the relevant Ministers on what they are doing to improve standards in farming, and implementing the banning of the importation of foie gras and all fur into Britain. You may see these questions via the below links:-
As such, earlier this year I was pleased to join cross-party parliamentary colleagues and a number of animal rights organisations in calling on the Government to take swift action to ban the import and sale of fur:- https://tinyurl.com/2mxkrsrd
See the full letter below:
In August 2026, I was also part of a cohort of Labour MPs who wrote to the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to urge her to prioritise the swift delivery of the Animal Welfare Strategy:- https://tinyurl.com/mvkdey5f
See the full letter below:
I also regularly meet with campaigners, activists and researchers to expand my knowledge on this topic. Just recently, I met with Humane World for Animals at the Labour Party Conference to back their campaign to end all fur imports to Britain.
This month, I hosted the Humane World for Animals' event in Parliament to launch their new economic report highlighting the value of improved plant-based catering options across Government and Parliament. I also often meet with other charities and organisations in Parliament to discuss their work, such as Four Paws UK, Dogs Trust, RSPCA, PETA and many more.
I recognise that this Government has made progress, but I will continue to make the case for animal rights to go further and faster.
Most importantly, I am grateful to each and every constituent who has contacted me about animal welfare and animal rights since I was elected in December 2019.