Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about animal welfare standards and tourism, and for bringing the event on 4 March to my attention. Unfortunately, due to prior parliamentary commitments, I am unable to attend this event.
I am committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, both here in the UK and internationally. In line with setting a global example on animal welfare, money from UK tourists must be channelled towards animal experiences abroad that practice the highest welfare and conservation standards.
As you may be aware, the previous Government supported the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, which provides a framework for the introduction of future bans on the advertising and offering for sale, in England and Northern Ireland, of low-welfare animal activities abroad, such as where animals are kept in captivity or confinement, subjected to cruel and brutal training methods, forced to take selfies or are ridden, drugged, or de-clawed. Such activities, attractions and experiences are unacceptable, and it would be better for tourists from the UK to visit higher welfare attractions and experiences abroad.
The Association of British Travel Agents has published guidance and lists activities which have been classified as unacceptable. I would strongly encourage all holidaymakers to research activities before taking part and consider the potential impact on animals and wildlife. I would also actively encourage tourists to report any animal welfare concerns to their UK tour operator or travel agent on return to the UK.
I note that the current Government confirmed in its Animal Welfare Strategy, which was eventually published in December 2025, that it will explore legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising in the UK of low animal welfare activities abroad. In addition, Ministers will seek to enable travellers to choose activities which have high welfare standards. I hope to see evidence of the progress of this important work in due course.
More broadly, I strongly encourage the Government to follow the example of the previous Government to ensure that standards of animal welfare remain high in the UK and to champion the importance of high standards internationally.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
