What Happened in the Westminster Hall Debate on Animal Welfare Strategy

On Wednesday, 21st January, Members of Parliament gathered in Westminster Hall to debate the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy for England. The debate, secured by Samantha Niblett MP, provided the first significant opportunity for MPs to scrutinise the strategy since its publication in December.

The debate offered critical insight into the Government’s direction of travel regarding predator control, trapping, and land management. Below is a summary of the key points relevant to moorland owners and gamekeepers.

The Government’s Stance on Snares

The most significant takeaway for our sector was the Government’s reiterated commitment to ending the use of snare traps. This was a central theme of the debate, with the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Dame Angela Eagle, confirming the ban is a priority.

• Minister’s Position: Dame Angela Eagle stated clearly: "We will end the use of snare traps because they are indiscriminate, can catch pets and protected wildlife, and cause terrible suffering."

• Cross-Party Support: The ban received broad support from Labour backbenchers, including Samantha Niblett, who highlighted the manifesto commitment, and Navendu Mishra, who noted the strategy’s ambition to close loopholes in wildlife protection.

The Government intends to move forward with this ban as part of its wider strategy to "safeguard standards" and deliver "ambitious reforms" by 2030.

Debate on Trapping & Pest Control

While the focus was heavily on snares, the debate also touched upon the future of other trapping methods used for pest control.

• Review of Other Traps: Samantha Niblett noted that the strategy includes a commitment to review other traps, including those used indoors.

• Industry Concerns: Crucially, she acknowledged concerns raised by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). The BPCA has warned that banning smaller traps could lead to an increase in chemical use - a significant environmental concern that mirrors arguments often made by land managers regarding the unintended consequences of removing mechanical control methods.

This acknowledgement suggests that while the direction of travel is towards stricter regulation, there is an awareness among some MPs of the practical trade-offs involved in pest management.

The Case for Conservation: Predator Control and Songbirds

A vital intervention for our sector came from Jim Shannon MP (DUP, Strangford), who provided a robust defence of predator control as a conservation tool. His contribution offered a practical counter-narrative to the idea that all trapping is inhumane or unnecessary.

• The Larsen Trap Example: Mr. Shannon detailed his own use of Larsen traps on his farm to control magpies and grey-backed crows.

• Conservation Success: He directly linked this management to the recovery of threatened songbirds, stating: "We now have an abundance of small bird life that we have not had on our farm for many years, including yellowhammers, which are back in numbers... Looking after the predators ensures that the small, threatened species can thrive."

• Policy Recommendation: He urged that any animal welfare strategy must acknowledge that a "multifaceted approach is necessary in the countryside for farm control and conservation."

This intervention is a key reference point for the Moorland Association, reinforcing the argument that lawful, humane predator control is essential for biodiversity and the survival of ground-nesting birds.

Looking Ahead

In her closing remarks, the Minister emphasised that the Animal Welfare Strategy is a comprehensive, long-term plan rather than a single piece of legislation.

• Consultations: The Government will proceed with a series of consultations rather than one "great big Bill," allowing for specific scrutiny on individual measures like the trail hunting ban.

• Implementation: The timeline for these changes extends through 2030, but the Minister was firm that the work to "end the use of snare traps" and "ban trail hunting" remains a manifesto priority.

The Moorland Association will ensure the practical voice of land managers is heard, particularly regarding the necessity of humane predator control for conservation success.

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