Decapod Crustaceans | March 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding the inclusion of decapod crustaceans in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill. The Government is committed to raising animal welfare standards once the United Kingdom has departed from the European Union, with the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill having two main objectives: the recognition of animal...
Royal Bank of Scotland | February 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding the privatisation of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The ownership of the majority of RBS shares by the Government is a result of a Labour government bailout, which injected a total of £45.5 billion into the bank between October 2008 and December 2009...
Medical Cannabis | February 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding medical cannabis. Cannabis is the most widely cultivated, trafficked and used illicit drug in the UK. It is currently illegal to use cannabis either for recreational or for medicinal purposes, and, in its raw form, it is not recognised as having any medicinal purposes....
Draft Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill 2017 | February 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding the Draft Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill 2017. The Government is committed to raising animal welfare standards once the United Kingdom has departed from the European Union, with the draft Bill having two main objectives: the recognition of animal sentience in...
Trophy Hunting | February 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding trophy hunting. It is important we protect endangered animals across the world. I am encouraged that the UK Government is committed to conserving the world’s wildlife. The wildlife trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, whose approach is to...
Puppy Smuggling | February 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding puppy smuggling. Responsibility for stopping illegal movement of all animals begins in the country where they are born. A 2013 ruling allowed the free movement of pets within the EU; this saw a 60,000 surge of animals into the UK each year since. Transporters...
Food Labelling | January 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding food labelling. Given the £200 billion UK consumers spend each year on food, drink and catering services. Consumer confidence is more important in this industry than in any other, and is key to the integrity of the supply chain. The current regulations on food...
“People’s Vote” Campaign | January 2019
I have received numerous letters regarding the “People’s Vote” Campaign. I supported the campaign for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. I did so for one overarching reason. The European Union is not a democracy. All its laws are initiated by the European Commission, which is comprised of...
Cycling Offences | November 2018
I have received numerous letters regarding cycling offences. Every road user has a responsibility to behave safely and with consideration for others as set out in the Highway Code. Whether addressing cyclists or motorists, policymakers need to keep in mind that cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users and...
Corporation Tax | November 2018
I have received numerous letters regarding corporation tax. A commitment to a competitive tax system with lower taxes is important for businesses and individuals. That is why Corporation Tax has been cut, and the Government plans to cut it further to 17 per cent in 2020, benefiting over one million...
