I appreciate that this is an issue about which many people hold strong and sincerely held views, and I respect that you have taken the time to share yours with me. I have received correspondence from constituents on both sides of this debate.
I welcome the action taken by the last Government to improve animal welfare, such as banning the export of live animals, including pigs, for fattening or slaughter, with the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024, and increasing the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty from six
The Government have confirmed that they will legislate to give mayors (and, potentially, other local leaders) the power to introduce new overnight visitor levies.