Meeting of the Parliament 24 March 2026 [Draft]
I thank Christine Grahame for bringing this important debate to the chamber. I want to speak in the debate for three reasons: first, because it is on a very important issue; secondly, because it is a members’ business debate and I like to speak in those; and, thirdly, because I want to thank Christine Grahame for bringing the debate to the chamber and for spending time in members’ debates in the five years for which I have been in Parliament.
Animal welfare is important to me personally, but not just to me. A study by the SPCA on public opinion on animal welfare found that 91 per cent of people across the United Kingdom recognise the value of animal welfare education. Welfare was ranked as the third most important issue for people when speaking about animals, and 34 per cent of people surveyed were worried about wildlife. The case for action is overwhelming. The figures send a clear message that the public care deeply about animal welfare and expect action. That action must include legislation. The study’s report is a call to action on sentencing, monitoring and enforcement of disqualification orders.