I support the International Fund for Animal Welfare in its work to protect animals in the UK and abroad.

As a Labour Member of Parliament I have campaigned to improve the welfare of animals. The UK should continue to lead international efforts to combat the illegal trade in endangered wildlife and wildlife products. We must also work towards putting a stop to practices that are endangering species, such as commercial whaling.

Our Labour values tell us that we have a moral duty to treat the animals we share our planet with in a humane and compassionate way. No other major political party has such a proven track record of decisive action for animals at home, on farms and in the wild.

The last Labour Government achieved much to end the cruel and unnecessary suffering of animals: the banning of hunting with dogs, securing an end to cosmetic testing on animals, banning fur farming and introducing the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

This is a legacy that we are proud of -; one which we believe shows that Labour is the only party to trust on animal welfare. I am proud that Labour introduced the hunting ban over a decade ago and we will continue to defend it. Despite the hunting ban’s success and the support of the British public, the Hunting Act 2004 is under threat from the Conservatives who have promised to hold a free vote on repealing the Act.

If I am re-elected on May 7th I will campaign for initiatives to protect our native wildlife species and to protect animals abroad.