THE MPs in Bromsgrove and Northfield have been explaining why they voted the way they did for on the subject of Animal Sentience when the EU (Withdrawal) Bill was discussed in Parliament.
It follows an amendment to the legislation, tabled by Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas, to transfer the EU protocol on sentience which relates to animals experience feelings (including pain).
But the motion to transfer the clause across was defeated in the House of Commons with 295 voting for and 313 against.
The Government has since said Ministers were considering how to amend UK law to recognise animal sentience after Brexit.
Of our local representatives, Bromsgrove’s Sajid Javid voted against with Northfield MP Richard Burden voting in favour.
Mr Javid said: “I am proud to be part of a Government that is committed to improving animal welfare, including banning the ivory trade.
“The UK Animal Rights Act 2006 already protects animal sentience.
“It’s important we continue to protect animal sentience and once we leave the EU, we will continue to ensure this protection under British law.”
Mr Burden said: “The EU has spearheaded environmental and animal protection.
“Recognising animal sentience is central to that and has helped improve welfare standards in the UK and across the EU.
“We cannot let these standards slip as a result of Government picking and choosing what they do and don’t want to keep without properly consulting Parliament.
“That is why I voted in favour of enshrining animal sentience into British law and I am disappointed that the Government didn’t do the same.”
