Leona Lewis and Diane join forces to demand ban on animals in circuses
Diane Abbott MP, the Shadow Health Minister and MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington is leading a campaign across London with Hackney singer Leona Lewis and a number of key animal rights campaigners, to urge the Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
The debate on Thursday is taking place after ten thousand people responded to a Defra consultation on a ban which closed in March 2010.
Over 25,000 people have signed the Independent’s petition on the issue in the last two weeks. Other celebrities backing a ban include comedians Ricky Gervais and Alexei Sayle, actors Brian Blessed and John Nettles, BBC DJ Mark Radcliffe, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and musicians Brian May and Jay Kay.
The Labour Government pledged to implement a ban following a public consultation in which 10,000 people replied, 94% in favour of ban.
Ms Abbott said:
‘This issue has struck a chord with people from all walks of life across London.’
‘After a year of delay the Tory-led Government has failed to ban the use of wild animals in circuses and London is making itself heard on this issue.’
‘This is another mess from a department which is already in special measures following the forest sell-off debacle, delays to the Water White Paper and a 27% cut to flood defence projects.’
‘Ministers misled Parliament claiming that they cannot introduce a ban because of a court case in Europe – there is no court case.’
In a letter sent to Diane Abbott, Leona Lewis, a constituent and a supporter of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), said:
‘I know that many MPs agree with the vast majority of the public and would like to see an end to this practice. Even Defra’s public consultation, carried out last year, resulted in an enormous 94.5% public support for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
I urge you attend this debate and vote in favour of a ban.’
A ban is strongly supported by the RSPCA, British Veterinary Association, Born Free Foundation and Animal Defenders International who have expressed dismay at the Government’s decision to proceed with a licensing scheme.
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