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BACKBENCH BUSINESS
21 July 2016
Lead MP
Jim Dowd
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 64
At a Glance
Jim Dowd raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The motion seeks to ban the manufacture, sale, possession and use of snares due to their indiscriminate nature and cruel impact on thousands of animals each year. Despite previous efforts at voluntary regulation failing, Jim Dowd emphasises the need for legislative action to protect animal welfare. He cites a DEFRA report indicating up to 1.7 million animals are trapped annually in England and Wales, with only one quarter being targeted species like foxes, while protected species such as badgers suffer greatly.
North Cotswolds
In response to Jim Dowd's motion, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown questions the widespread support for a ban on snares, highlighting the lack of immediate action despite such support.
Torfaen
Supporting Jim Dowd’s case, Nick Thomas-Symonds points out that snare misuse is widespread, often capturing non-target species and causing undue suffering to animals.
Kirsten Oswald agrees with the focus on wildlife welfare, emphasising the need for prioritising animal protection over other considerations.
George Howarth
Ind
Halifax
George Howarth commends Jim Dowd for raising this crucial issue and highlights public outrage at the cruelty of snares. He supports the campaign to ban these devices.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
The hon. Member for Glasgow North acknowledged that much of the issue is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, but expressed concern about ongoing complaints from constituents. He asked whether a snaring training course requirement is an appropriate measure.
Jim Dowd
Lab
Lewisham West and Penge
The hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge responded, noting that devolved Assemblies in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland have made progress but that the code of practice is ineffective and impossible to implement due to clandestine activities on private land.
Ann Clwyd
Lab
Wrexham
The hon. Member for Wrexham congratulated her colleague on securing the debate, noting widespread constituent support against snaring as cruel and lethal, with statistics indicating a high frequency of animals caught in snares annually.
Jim Dowd
Lab
Lewisham West and Penge
The hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge detailed the ineffectiveness of snare regulations, citing an investigation by the League Against Cruel Sports that exposed violations of the code of practice with animals found dead or injured in snares.
Simon Hart
Con
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
The hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr noted that Government guidelines permit the use of snares for research and tagging purposes, a practice he suggested could be important despite its inherent risks.
North Cotswolds
I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I disagree with much of what the hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge said about wildlife management. The use of snares is an important tool that benefits conservation, particularly during summer and spring when farmed animals are most vulnerable to fox predation. DEFRA-commissioned research in 2012 identified how snaring can be improved through proper design and operating practices. Snares, used properly, are humane and effective; a ban could encourage the use of more dangerous methods.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
I congratulate my hon. Friend Jim Dowd on his speech about the motion to restrict or ban snares due to their cruel and indiscriminate nature. The RSPCA notes that compliance with the DEFRA Code of Practice is low, while non-target animals are still captured even when adhering strictly to it. The NFU argues for the necessity of snares but acknowledges humane issues; Scotland's stricter regulations demonstrate improvements can be made.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
I agree with Jim Fitzpatrick that the requirement for snare users in Scotland to have approved accreditation and personal ID numbers should be implemented in England, providing an additional safeguard against misuse.
Simon Hart
Con
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney
Mr. Hart stressed the practical necessity of using snares for wildlife management, particularly in upland hill farming areas in Wales where controlling foxes is essential for protecting agricultural animals. He argued that no one uses snares with pleasure but rather as a means to manage wildlife populations effectively and responsibly. Mr. Hart also pointed out inconsistencies among Labour Members regarding the use of rifles versus other control methods such as cage traps, which have limitations similar to or worse than those of snares in terms of non-target species suffering. He concluded by referencing the Welsh Government's code of practice as a practical solution that balances different interests.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Ms. McCarthy congratulated Jim Dowd on securing the debate and highlighted the League Against Cruel Sports' work in exposing snare cruelty, noting 77% public support for a ban. She described free-running snares as capable of causing extreme suffering to animals caught in them, often non-target species such as hares, badgers, cats, and dogs, leading to injuries or death from exposure, dehydration, or predation. Ms. McCarthy criticised the low legal standards compared to other European countries and emphasised the need for stricter regulations or a ban on snares.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Mr. Fitzpatrick briefly mentioned the previous success of banning wild animals in circuses, which was a Conservative manifesto promise from 2015. He echoed support for delivering this promise as soon as possible.
Christina Rees
Lab
Neath
I thank my hon. Friend for calling this debate on snares. Despite efforts from various groups, the problem of snares remains unresolved. The DEFRA code of practice is commendable but not statutory and thus ineffective in enforcing stricter regulations. In Scotland, there are tighter regulations requiring training, registration, and safety stops on snares. Welsh Labour has published a best practice code to improve enforcement and animal welfare. However, the current situation still leads to unnecessary suffering for animals caught by non-target species. I call on the Government to make the code of practice statutory to improve efficiency and reduce harm.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I disagree with my Labour colleagues but we will still be friends at the end. Modern snares, used correctly according to best practices, surpass international standards for humane restraint traps. Snares must be checked daily and are not a source of unnecessary suffering when used properly. Properly managed fox snaring is crucial for controlling predators and protecting biodiversity, domestic poultry, game birds, small mammals, and young livestock from predation by foxes. Without snaring, there would be significant unintended consequences including the loss of biodiversity and economic damage to farmers and other land managers.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
It is good to see you in the Chair this afternoon, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome the Minister to her place and look forward to debating important issues such as animal welfare with her. The Wildlife and Countryside Act prohibits self-locking snares but has not been effectively enforced due to poor policing and practice; only 77% of snares are inspected daily. Snares capture 1.7 million animals yearly, including non-target species like hares, badgers, deer, otters, cats, dogs, and even humans. The evidence shows that snares cause extensive cruelty and suffering to animals. 87% of vets support a ban on snares. Research indicates that the voluntary code is not working, and inspections should happen twice daily. We need progressive legislation to outlaw snares as they are inhumane and indiscriminate.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Questioned the Minister about evidence supporting claims that UK has best animal welfare standards, pointing out discrepancies with her previous statements.
North Cotswolds
Congratulated the Minister on her new position and asked for a new updated code of practice to ensure best practices are followed.
Responded positively to concerns raised, acknowledged the need for high standards in snaring practices, emphasised the upcoming publication of a new code of practice developed by stakeholders and promised to address issues surrounding animal welfare further.
Mitcham and Morden
The hon. Lady questioned why legitimate visa applications are being rejected while hate preachers from Islamabad were granted entry clearance, highlighting a discrepancy in the system.
Tooting
Acknowledges the need for community cohesion in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that acts of terrorism run both ways.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Urges Pakistan to withdraw from occupied Kashmir as per UN resolutions. Discusses NHS costs due to smoking (£2 billion annually), mentions drop in youth smoking rates, and calls for the introduction of a tobacco control plan by the Health Minister.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Raises concerns about health services funding cuts for The Source nurse practitioner-led health centre in Horn Park estate, arguing its importance to a deprived community. Criticises Southeastern rail service quality during hot weather, highlighting passenger dissatisfaction and overcrowding issues. Requests Government approval for additional rolling stock on longer platforms.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Welcomes colleagues on the Front Bench, discusses the current political climate focusing on issues within their control. Emphasises the need for improvement in Gloucester's transport infrastructure including railway services and station facilities, bus infrastructure, road projects like the missing link A417, and cycling paths. Advocates for education initiatives such as a health university technical college to train local nurses and RAISE academy for excluded pupils.
Tania Mathias
Lab
Brecon and Radnorshire
Highlights the importance of the NHS in providing diverse career opportunities for students who might be part of the excluded pupil programme, reinforcing the value of training local talent within various healthcare sectors.
Mitcham and Morden
The vote to leave the EU indicates millions of people feel left behind due to poverty despite low unemployment. The Institute for Fiscal Studies found that two thirds of children in absolute poverty come from working households, a first in UK history.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Rail services are crucial for economic growth in the Humber region. Direct services from Cleethorpes to London were scrapped in 1992, but there have been applications for four daily trains through Scunthorpe and Doncaster. While I recognise capacity issues, I question whether current regulations work best for passengers or protect existing operators' market share.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Since 1992, there has been no direct service to London from Market Rasen in his constituency. The Government and rail regulator should consider the interests of local people as well as large operators. A delegation to the new Secretary of State is needed to impress upon him the need for better services on rural lines.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Mr. Vickers argued against the rail regulator's restrictive criteria for open access services, citing concerns about market protection rather than passenger interests. He highlighted difficulties in extending services to places like Cleethorpes due to these regulations and urged the Department for Transport to reconsider its stance.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Ms. Vaz raised concerns about various issues affecting her constituency, including humps on Walstead Road which residents found problematic; a planning application for Great Barr park and hall that goes against green-belt policy; the university’s Broadway campus road condition imposing unnecessary costs; and littering problems. She emphasised the need for resident engagement and proposed solutions like lowering speed limits to 20 mph.
Tania Mathias
Con
Twickenham
Acknowledges the hon. Member for Walsall South and her points about keeping Britain tidy, highlights community efforts to keep parks clean and safe, expresses concern over rail services including lack of frequent trains on Sundays and overcrowding issues during high temperatures, calls for a plan for air-conditioned trains in suburban networks, emphasises the need for easier refunds following delays and better communication regarding delays. Also raises concerns about Heathrow expansion impacting her constituency.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Raises an important point regarding difficulties faced by passengers using bank cards instead of Oyster cards to get on trains, when trying to obtain refunds.
Tania Mathias
Con
Twickenham
Thanking Bob Stewart for his contribution, emphasises the need for a tap-and-refund system to ease the process of getting refunds. Raises concerns about noise pollution and environmental impacts of Heathrow expansion on her constituency.
Graham Allen
Lab
Nottingham North
Highlights the importance of Backbench Business Committee in raising issues of concern to constituents, discusses the impact of economic crises and policies on deprived constituencies, emphasises the need for politicians to address the 'cry for help' from marginalized communities. Also highlights a case involving a young deaf apprentice who needed changes in qualification rules due to his hearing impairment, emphasising that such victories help other similar cases.
Mitcham and Morden
McDonagh suggests that Smith should seriously consider automatic voter registration to increase youth participation in democratic processes.
Chloe Smith
Con
Norwich North
Smith responds positively to McDonagh's suggestion, acknowledging her work on the issue and supporting efforts to enhance voter registration. She also discusses the importance of protecting EU nationals' rights post-Brexit and highlights the economic benefits of immigration in Norwich.
Steven Paterson
SNP
Stirling
Paterson raises a local issue concerning an application for quarrying at Gillies hill, a historically significant site near Stirling. He recounts past controversies related to quarrying and expresses concern about recent developments that threaten the area's heritage.
Steven Paterson
SNP
Stirling
Discussed the planning legislation for quarrying in Scotland and the campaign against re-quarrying of Gillies Hill, highlighting its historical significance and ecological value. Mentioned a local nature reserve designation option to protect the area from further quarrying.
Jeremy Lefroy
Con
Stafford
Spoke about economic development in Stafford, mentioning General Electric's new factory and Biomass Power's gasification plant. Highlighted the reduction of jobseeker’s allowance applicants and discussed housing developments while emphasising the need for speculative development regulation. Raised concerns over enforcement of planning permission and availability of new roads on maps.
Amanda Milling
Con
Rugeley
Asked Jeremy Lefroy to support efforts in redeveloping the site following Rugeley B power station's closure, aiming for a collaborative approach between national and local government bodies.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Bob Stewart disagreed with economists' forecasts, questioning their ability to predict future economic conditions accurately.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Ferrier highlighted the impact of Trident spending on defence procurement budgets and criticised the government's handling of the Type 26 frigates programme, which has led to delays and potential job losses. She stressed that assurances given in 2014 have not been fulfilled.
Steven Paterson
SNP
Dunfermline and West Fife
Paterson echoed Ferrier's concerns, stressing the betrayal of workers on the Clyde who are still waiting for promises made in 2014 to be fulfilled.
Michelle Donelan
Con
Chippenham
Donelan discussed her commitment to local businesses, apprenticeships, and infrastructure improvements in Wiltshire. She emphasised the engineering skills gap, proposing reforms to the English Baccalaureate to include Design and Technology GCSEs to inspire young people into STEM careers.
Tooting
Allin-Khan spoke about the ongoing legal battle between junior doctors and the Government over a new contract, criticising the Secretary of State for demanding £150,000 in legal fees from the junior doctors. She highlighted the lack of patient-centred decision-making on the part of the Health Secretary regarding the seven-day NHS proposal.
Stewart questioned whether the Secretary of State for Health's push for a seven-day NHS is motivated by genuine concern for patients, despite disagreement with the approach.
Tooting
The Secretary of State for Health's seven-day proposal is fundamentally flawed and risks patient safety. The NHS faces severe underfunding, leading to low staff morale and dangerous working conditions. Junior doctors' contracts lack robust evidence and endanger both patients and medical staff due to inadequate resources. The government must address recruitment and retention issues and provide adequate support rather than imposing new contracts that overstretch staff.
Amanda Milling
Con
Cannock Chase
The completion of Chase line electrification faces a delay due to the unavailability of class 323 electric trains, affecting passengers' ability to enjoy faster and more regular service. The closure of Rugeley B power station results in significant business rate losses for Cannock Chase District Council, urging the Government to provide transitional funding. The Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children provides vital equipment to disabled and terminally ill children, highlighting the need for updated statistics in calculating public funding.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
The closure of Rugeley B power station impacts military training by removing a visual aid used for map-reading exercises. This highlights the broader implications of such closures beyond economic and social concerns.
Gordon Marsden
Lab
Blackpool North and Cleveleys
The announcement of major increases in tuition fees for the year 2017-18, linked to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), is thoroughly reprehensible. Students at universities and colleges that pass a test will pay £9,250 a year from 2017-18, which is an increase of 2.8%. This double-whammy will hit all students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who currently receive grants but will have to pay fees and loans increased by 2.8% from 2017-18 onwards. Over 34,000 students in further education colleges providing higher education courses are affected, including over 2,800 at Blackpool and the Fylde College’s Higher Education Institute.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Another announcement from the Government today was the decision to abolish student nurse bursaries, which will have serious implications for social mobility in higher education and the health service. This will affect many students and institutions in the north-west, such as Edge Hill University and others.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Congratulated the Deputy Leader of the House and raised several issues before the recess, including supporting London City Airport’s development programme, Ferrero UK’s sport and move programme, the Oliver King Foundation's efforts to place defibrillators in schools, and the need for a dedicated lead for dermatology within NHS England. He also highlighted the importance of cervical cancer screening and praised Edinburgh Zoo for its animal welfare standards. Amess emphasised the excellence of Southend University Hospital’s rheumatology department and expressed concerns about mental health care, train services, responsible pet ownership, waste management by local councils, Atos assessments, National Grid's roadworks in Southend, and support for the Southend Festival Chorus and King's Money Advice Centre. He also mentioned his visit to Paris for a rally in support of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and praised the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Complimented David Amess on his speech, particularly noting that he had not mentioned West Ham United’s move to the Olympic stadium. Fitzpatrick encouraged Amess to wish West Ham well for their upcoming seasons.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Madders argued for job security through permanent employment with fair wages, criticising current workplace protections. He addressed the threat of automation and job exportation, calling for a serious strategy to tackle these issues. He also pointed out the worsening social housing situation and criticised government policies aimed at reducing affordable housing commitments. Finally, he discussed the NHS's financial instability, workforce shortages, and the risk of sacrificing free healthcare due to fiscal pressures.
Lucy Allan
Con
Telford
Lucy Allan, MP for Telford, congratulated the Deputy Leader of the House on his appointment and discussed the needs and challenges of her constituency. She highlighted progress in youth unemployment, rail services, broadband connections, and green spaces. However, she raised concerns about a lack of progress on a new critical care centre at the Princess Royal hospital, stressing that this is crucial for healthcare provision amidst rapid population growth and health inequalities. She urged for a clear timetable and determination to complete the Future Fit programme.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Speaks about the history and significance of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, their role in commemorating the Siege of Derry, and highlights the peaceful nature of parades. Emphasises the importance of tolerance and unity within Northern Ireland.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Discussed the cruise terminal in Greenwich, highlighting concerns about air quality due to lack of shore-to-ship power supply. Raised issues with leasehold reform, emphasising the need for legislative changes to protect millions of leaseholders from unfair practices. Mentioned terrorism in Bangladesh and called on the Government to support efforts to combat intolerance. Supported work on behalf of British citizens detained in India (Chennai 6) and urged for their release. Congratulated West Ham United on moving to the Olympic stadium and praised local air cadet corps achievements. Celebrated improved educational performance in Tower Hamlets secondary schools. Recognised honours awarded to constituents, including his wife Dr Sheila Fitzpatrick.
Paul Flynn
Lab
Newport West
Welcomed the new Deputy Leader of the House, commended various members for their contributions, and emphasised the importance of local issues in parliamentary debates. He also highlighted concerns over privatised rail services, student fees and loans, poverty policy, youth alienation post-Brexit, defence budgeting, and health service funding.
Michael Ellis
Con
South Northamptonshire
Congratulated the shadow Deputy Leader of the House and mentioned the wide range of constituency activities discussed during the debate.
Keith Vaz
Lab/Co-op
Leicester East
Congratulated the new members at the Dispatch Box, including the Leader of the House whom he knew from his university days.
Michael Ellis
16:41:00
Thanked the Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee and acknowledged various hon. Members for their contributions on topics such as flooding, train issues, cycling expertise, local authority responses to resident concerns, water provision on crowded trains, aircraft noise, disadvantaged areas casework, Brexit, quarrying, military regiments, engineering skills gap, junior doctors, Rugeley B power station, tuition fees, housing, employment security, NHS support, traffic lights, history of Northern Ireland, air quality in London, and staff appreciation. Michael Ellis also congratulated several hon. Members on their work.
John Bercow
16:41:00
Expressed gratitude to the Deputy Leader for his warmth and good grace during the debate. Congratulated everyone for their contributions and wished everybody a relaxing and revitalising summer break.
Government Response
Acknowledged the passion hon. Members have for high regard in animal welfare, highlighted the UK's existing high standards but recognised room for improvement in snaring practices. Emphasised the publication of a new code of practice developed by stakeholders and promised to address issues surrounding animal welfare further.
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