If re-elected on 8th June I will continue to cuddle cute animals!
As a committed supporter of animal welfare, I previously served as an honorary Vice-Chairman of the RSPCA. This enabled me to work with them on a number of national campaigns and join the local inspector on her rounds in Gosport.
The Conservative manifesto has promised a free vote to give parliament the opportunity to decide on the future of the Hunting Act. Rest assured I am fully committed to the preservation of the Hunting with Dogs Act.
I will continue to argue passionately for it, to campaign against hunting, and when the matter comes to the House and if I am elected, I will vote to uphold the ban. As a supporter of the League Against Cruel Sports and Conservatives Against Fox Hunting, I have worked hard to ensure this cruel practice remains outlawed, and was even chosen as rockstar Brian May's 'Hero of 2010' for my work in this area.
I am seriously concerned about the effect of illegal poaching and ivory trafficking on the long-term prospects for the survival of the elephant. Just how seriously the Government takes this issue was demonstrated when it held the London Conference on Wildlife Trafficking. Over 40 countries adopted the London Declaration in an effort to save iconic species, including elephants, from being poached to the brink of extinction. The Buckingham Palace Declaration followed with a range of commitments to help the private sector tackle this illegal trade.
The UK made available £13 million for various projects through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and is now doubling that funding. It is also training rangers in Gabon, home of Africa's largest population of forest elephants, to combat poaching.
I am committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and I know that the Government takes the same view. This strong commitment is reflected in World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, which judged 50 countries on their policy and legislation for animals and saw Britain ranked joint top alongside New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland.
In the Conservative manifesto Theresa May confirmed that we will continue to take action to improve animal welfare. We will implement our proposed reforms on pet sales and licensing and will make CCTV recording in slaughterhouses mandatory. As we leave the European Union, we can also take early steps to control the export of live farm animals for slaughter.
If re-elected on 8th June I will continue to protect our animal friends.