Keep the highest levels of Animal Welfare across the UK

I am proud that the UK already has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world - and these have increased substantially under this Government. The UK has banned the ivory trade, is increasing sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years, has banned insecticides that may be harmful to bees, made CCTV mandatory in abattoirs, banned microplastics which helps marine life, and is proposing to introduce an independent, statutory body to uphold environmental standards.

That being said there is still more to do. As a proud cat owner myself, I have become involved with many campaigns in Parliament to help improve animal welfare standards, including lobbying for a ban on ivory imports and banning cruel shock collars for dogs.

Keep up to date with all I have been up to below.

News

Robert Attends Presentation on Plight of the Tiger

Wednesday, 3 April, 2019

Robert recently attended a presentation on the tiger trade organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for China and led by wildlife conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra.

Prime Minister Responds to Robert's Call to Protect Whales from Commercial Hunting

Thursday, 24 January, 2019

Robert has welcomed the news that following his letter, the Prime Minister spoke to the visiting Japanese Prime Minister about Japan's decision to resume commercial whaling.

Robert's 2018 Highlights in 60 Seconds

Tuesday, 1 January, 2019

2018 was a very busy year indeed with much to celebrate both locally and nationally. Here are just some of my highlights from last year - in 60 seconds!

Robert Courts MP

Robert Visits Chrissie's Owls

Friday, 26 October, 2018

Chrissie's Owls is a small family run charity, based in Stonesfield, with a genuine love of owls. Chrissie, with the help of her family and some very committed volunteers, attend craft and country shows throughout the year to help raise funds for their owl rescue work across Oxfordshire.

DEFRA announce consultation to ban 3rd party sales of puppies and kittens in England

Wednesday, 22 August, 2018

Robert said, "I am pleased that the Government is taking action with Lucy's Law. By banning 3rd party sales, alongside cracking down on other aspects such as illegal puppy farms, we can end the suffering of animals kept in these conditions.

Robert speaks on remaining stages of the Ivory BIll

Wednesday, 4 July, 2018

Robert said, "We have had an important discussion of this Bill over the past few weeks. It has been a great honour to speak on something that is so important to so many of my constituents.

Robert welcomes Government support of 'Finn's Law' for service animals

Friday, 15 June, 2018

Robert said, "Great news this morning: courageous service animals such as police dogs & horses will be offered greater protection under a new law being backed by Government.

Robert sits on the Ivory Bill in Parliament

Thursday, 14 June, 2018

Robert said, "I’ve been sitting on the Ivory Bill this week - an important part of the Government’s plan - through Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - to leave a better environment than we found.

Robert praises the Ivory Bill - but urges for other species not to be unintentionally affected

Monday, 4 June, 2018

Robert said, "It is an enormous pleasure to speak in this debate, and it is also a great pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall North (Eddie Hughes), who has this evening demonstrated the real mix of wit and insight that the House has come to expect from him.

Ivory Bill introduced to boost fight against elephant poaching

Wednesday, 23 May, 2018

Robert said, "I am glad to report that the Ivory Bill is taking a step closer to coming into force today with its introduction in Parliament. Elephants are one of the world’s most iconic animals and we must do all we can to protect them for future generations."