Topics covered on this page:

• Animal testing
• Caged animals
• Fireworks
• Trail hunting

Animal testing

Last updated November 2025

This month, we have seen the Government publish a new strategy on phasing out animal testing. This marks a significant step forward, and I support it.

None of us want to see animals suffering, so I recognise the urgency of the transition away from animal testing. I understand the animal testing plan will support work to end animal testing wherever possible, rolling out alternatives as soon as it is safe and effective to do so. This roadmap will ensure government, businesses and animal welfare groups can work together to find alternatives to animal testing faster and more effectively.

Phasing out the use of animals in science and product development must be supported by reliable and effective alternative methods, so this strategy aims to create a system that drives their use. I welcome the £60 million allocated to establish a hub to bring together data, technology and expertise, promoting collaboration between researchers, and to create a separate new centre to make the path to regulatory approval for new alternatives as straightforward as possible.

I believe this strategy is an important step forward for animal welfare in the UK. Through our scientific excellence, we can deliver real benefits for animal welfare and advance innovative research that improves lives. I am pleased to note the strategy has been welcomed by groups including the RSPCA and Cruelty Free International.

ghthth5yu4u u5e6j6ju

Caged animals

Last updated November 2025

Animals should receive the care, respect, and protection that they rightly deserve, in whatever farming system they are kept.

For this reason, I am glad the percentage of eggs from enriched ‘colony’ cage systems continues to fall. Free-range eggs now account for 70% of the total eggs in the UK. Government grants to farmers are supporting this work. Major supermarkets have also pledged to stop selling shell eggs from hens kept in colony cages by the end of 2025.

I know the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is keen to act to ensure the UK does not fall behind the EU countries that have already banned, or are in the process of banning cages, and crates. Crucially, we mustn't do this in a way that makes UK farmers less competitive - it benefits nobody to replace a UK-produced egg with an imported caged egg, or UK-farmed pork with pork originating from the use of a farrowing crate overseas, benefits nobody.

Nonetheless, high animal welfare standards underpin our high-quality British produce, and I want to make sure this is maintained. 

Fireworks

Last updated November 2025

While I believe that the majority of firework use is done so responsibly, there is no doubt that fireworks can also have significant adverse consequences. I have heard from a number of constituents about the impact that fireworks have on their pets. I have also been told that that unpredictability of when fireworks may go off only adds to this challenge. Equally, this issue extends beyond our pets – I know that fireworks can also cause significant stress for people with PTSD and children with and without SEND. 

The current legislation tackles the worst excesses of irresponsible firework use, with laws in place to address situations where fireworks are misused. Equally, since 2004, public sales of fireworks have been restricted to licensed traders, with limited exceptions allowing unlicensed sales for Chinese New Year, Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year. 

However, I’m fully aware that a significant problem still exists. I’m pleased that the Government has already built on the previous legislation through an awareness campaign on Gov.uk, which offers guidance to minimise fireworks’ effects on people and animals. I welcome its collaboration with animal and veteran charities regarding the campaign’s messages. Of course, this is only part of the picture, and I will continue to carefully monitor any further developments as they occur. 

Trail hunting

Last updated May 2026

I support a ban on trail hunting. I am pleased the Government reiterated its promise to ban trail hunting in its Animal Welfare Strategy, which was published in December 2025, and subsequently have opened this consultation to inform the development of legislation.

The nature of trail hunting makes it very difficult to do it safely. The use of large packs of hounds reduces the control that the huntsmen have. This puts wild mammals, household pets and even members of the public at risk.

Trail hunting also provides a convenient cover for those seeking to participate in illegal hunting activities by obscuring their intentions and enabling the inevitable chasing of animals to be labelled as accidental. This is why I want to see an effective, enforceable ban that truly protects our wildlife, countryside and rural communities.

Here in Warwickshire, we have seen the Warwickshire Hunt credibly accused of carrying out illegal activity under the cover of trail hunting, and many residents share my concern about the opaque relationship between the Hunt and our local police service. This is something that I have campaigned on extensively during my time as an MP, and is a reason why I think a ban is essential.