I support a vision where no animal is made to suffer unnecessary pain and degradation and where we continue to drive up standards and practice in line with the most recent advances and understanding.

I agree it is vital that the principle of animal sentience is enshrined in UK law to prevent practices that expose both wild and domestic animals to cruel and degrading treatment. The Government says it intends to legislate on animal sentience, however, it is unable to say when this legislation will be brought forward.

I have long supported increasing the maximum sentence available for animal cruelty offences. The current six month maximum sentence is simply inadequate for the severity of some of these terrible crimes. The Government announced its support for a Private Members’ Bill introduced by Chris Loder MP, which will increase maximum sentences to five years’ imprisonment. The Bill is scheduled for debate on 12 June 2020.

The Government says it is committed to the replacement, reduction, and refinement of the use of animals in research, meaning that animals are replaced with non-animal alternatives wherever possible. I believe we should consider a comprehensive review of animal testing, with a view to improving practice, limiting animal suffering and increasing transparency.

I agree that we should make all wildlife crime and illegal hunting a reportable offence and believe we should develop a National Wildlife Crime Strategy. It is welcome that the Agriculture Bill will reward farmers for improving animal welfare. However, I remain concerned that the Bill lacks the legal guarantees needed to protect against imported food produced to lower health, animal welfare and environmental standards.

I support the appointment of an independent Animal Welfare Commissioner to ensure that government policy is continually informed by the latest scientific evidence on animal sentience and best practice in animal welfare.

The Commissioner would ensure that animal welfare standards are always considered as legislation is introduced and as Britain takes part in international bodies, trade deals and obligations.