Thank you for contacting me about the People’s Manifesto for Wildlife.

I was concerned to hear that there was no tv coverage of the event on Saturday 22 September. I was pleased that so many people turned out for the march to support the Manifesto.

I receive numerous emails from constituents who raise their concerns with me about the environment and wildlife and I feel that this is something that should receive cross party support. I believe that we, as a party and as members of the wider society, have a moral duty to treat animals we share our planet with in a compassionate way, and as a vegetarian for over 20 years, a long-standing animal rights campaigner and the owner of two dogs, I am proud that the last Labour Government had a strong record on international animal welfare.

At the last election I stood on a Manifesto in which Labour pledges to lead the world in high animal welfare standards in the wild, farming, and domestic animals. We will promote cruelty free animal husbandry and consult on ways to ensure better enforcement on agreed standards. You can read Labour animal Manifesto here.

I can assure you that I will continue to push for the highest possible animal welfare standards and support the People’s Manifesto for Wildlife. I completely agree with you that the Manifesto should be supported in its entirety by all and not just in a party political way.