Alex Cunningham MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Natural Environment, commenting on the Government’s failure to outlaw wild animals in circuses, said:
“It should come as no surprise that Ministers have again failed to find time to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
“Circuses are no place for wild animals. The last Labour government had plans to ban the practice back in 2010 but, despite MPs and the majority of the public backing a ban, a Tory manifesto commitment in 2015, and the Prime Minister stating that one would be introduced, no action has ever taken.
“Having failed to include Government legislation in the last Queen’s Speech, now another Private Member’s Bill to introduce a ban on wild animals in circuses has run out of time.
“An outright ban is long overdue and the alternative approach of licensing is ineffective and outdated. The Government must use the upcoming Queen’s Speech to finally deliver on its promises and ban wild animals in circuses.”
