MP backs post-Brexit import-export changes

Sir Mike Penning MP has called for the Government to take advantage of Brexit and make changes to import-export laws in the interests of animal welfare.

Ban on live animal exports

The Hemel Hempstead MP has tabled a motion in Parliament calling on the Government to take advantage of Brexit and ban the export of live lambs and sheep for slaughter.

Sir Mike said: ‘I have long been opposed to the export of live animals for slaughter. It is totally unnecessary. I am concerned that a significant number of these animals die and suffer terrible cruelty en route to countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece.

‘This could be an animal welfare quick win for us, and I urge the Government to implement it from day one – 1 January 2021.

‘Animals should be slaughtered near to home and then the meat exported ‘on the hook, not the hoof’.’

The Motion (Early Day Motion 724) reads: ‘That this House believes that the United Kingdom is about to take back controls of export trade and deplores the fact that thousands of live lambs and sheep have been exported for slaughter; is concerned that a significant number of these animals die and suffer unnecessarily cruelty en route to countries like Spain, Italy and Greece; and calls on the UK Government to ban the live export trade in live animals for slaughter on the 1 January 2021.’

Calls to ban shark fin trade

In addition, Sir Mike has backed a motion calling for a ban on shark fin imports and exports post-Brexit.

The Motion reads: ‘That this House notes with concern that many shark species are threatened with extinction; notes that despite shark finning being banned in UK waters, the shark fin trade continues; recognises the important campaign work of Bite-Back, Greenpeace, the Shark Trust and many others; calls on the Government to ban shark fin imports and exports post-Brexit; and urges the Government to close the loopholes and work towards a strong Global Ocean Treaty to improve shark conservation.’

Sir Mike said: ‘As we approach the end of the Brexit transition period, we need to send a clear message to the rest of the world on environmental and animal welfare issues. We have a great opportunity here. Quite simply shark finning – which is literally removing the shark’s fin and throwing the rest of the shark, often live, back into the water – is an appalling practice and if we can end the trade, we can end the practice.

‘The Government should start by banning the import and export of sharks fins in the UK and then working towards a global ban.’