Fireworks are a source of fear for many animals, including pets, and the distress caused by the loud explosions can have a serious impact, causing both physical and psychological injuries.

It was very concerning that the Conservatives initially voted against an amendment that would have enshrined animal sentience into UK law after we leave the EU. I, along with my Labour colleagues, voted in favour of this amendment.

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 am very concerned about the recent decline in our bee population. Bees are absolutely vital to our economy and environment. We should be doing all we can to reverse this trend and protect bees from damaging pesticides and other environmental degradation.