Kerry McCarthy MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting on today’s Ten Minute Rule Bill on Wild Animals in Circuses, said:

“Labour has long called for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. It is a shame that the Government’s continued failure to act makes this Bill necessary.

“Draft legislation has existed for years, yet despite repeated promises and a 2015 manifesto commitment, Tory Ministers have failed to introduce a ban.

“This is a reform backed by the vast majority of the British people and already supported in a vote of the House of Commons. Ministers should stop delaying and get on with introducing the legislation necessary to ban the use of all wild animals in circuses.”