This week marks the anniversary of Labour’s landmark Hunting Act. As a proud champion of animal welfare issues in Parliament, and previous Vice President of the League Against Cruel Sports, I will continue to oppose any effort by the Government to repeal the ban and call out fox hunting for what it is – a cruel and needless activity that has no place in our society.

Far from repeal, the Act must be strengthened and we must clamp down on the loopholes that are being exploited. We’re only seven weeks into 2019 and it is already being reported that 21 foxes have been killed, with a staggering 151 incidents of illegal hunting declared. Ahead of last year’s annual Boxing Day hunt, I was delighted that Labour announced new plans to enhance the Act, including a commitment to consult on introducing prison sentences for illegal hunting.

You can read Labour’s Animal Welfare Plan here:https://labour.org.uk/issues/animal-welfare-plan/