Labour to force Conservative MPs to vote on return of animal rights bill
The Conservatives scrapped the proposed Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill last month, and said it would instead introduce promised protections through other legislation.
Wednesday 21 June 2023 11:51, UK
Conservatives MPs face being forced to vote on the reintroduction of proposed animal welfare legislation ditched by the government last month.
Labour will use one of its opposition days in parliament to hold a binding vote on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
When the government scrapped the bill last month, it said it was concerned Labour would amend the legislation to "widen the scope" of the laws and "play political games".
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Environment minister Mark Spencer instead said the government would deliver on its 2019 manifesto pledge to introduce various protections on animals through other pieces of legislation.
Now, Labour wants the former bill reintroduced on 12 July, so it can be passed through the House of Commons.
Animal rights campaigners have accused the government of trying to avoid debates on issues like hunting.
Speaking to Sky News, shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon said animal welfare is "important for Labour", and "also important actually for the Conservatives".
"It was in their 2019 election manifesto that they would bring forward protections for animals," he added.
The Labour frontbencher said the reason for today's vote was to "say it's about time for integrity, for trust in politics - that when politicians make a promise, they actually stick to it".
Mr McMahon said the bill had already passed its second reading and had "overwhelming support" before being pulled.
"There is no reason not to take it forward, and I just hope that enough MPs who really care about animal welfare, who care about keeping those election promises come with Labour today."
A government spokesperson said: "The UK is a world leader on animal welfare and we are fully committed to maintaining and enhancing our strong track record to date.
"We are committed to delivering the Kept Animals Bill measures individually during the remainder of this parliament and look forward to progressing these. We will be setting out next steps in due course."
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