The protection of our planet and the sustainability of the natural world is vitally important. The world we leave to our children will be a reflection of our own generation’s stewardship of the planet.

The current sentencing guidelines for animal cruelty offences are too lenient and not currently in line with those in other countries. We need to be clear that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by raising the maximum sentence for these appalling crimes.

I will vote against any attempt by the Government to weaken or repeal the Hunting Act. I believe that hunting is a cruel and unnecessary support, and fully support the ban which has been in place since 2004.