The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and it is right for us to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar now we have left the EU.

It is my policy not to sign Early Day Motions (EDMs), as they are little more than parliamentary graffiti and I do not feel that they bring about resolutions.

We are a nation of animal lovers, so it is only right that we have some of the highest welfare standards in the world. In addition to fur farming being banned in the UK, I am pleased to note that the import of fur products is tightly regulated.

I understand the strength of feeling on this issue. The current high standards of pesticides in the UK safeguards people and the environment from any potential harm, and consumers want to know that these standards will remain. I do not support relaxing the UK’s high standards in any new trade agreements.

I have always respected the result of the 2016 referendum and have always wanted to leave the European Union with a deal. I consistently voted to support the Withdrawal Agreement and continue to support the Government as it negotiates a new Free Trade Agreement with our European friends and partners.

As you will know, the Government has taken unprecedented steps to deal with the global pandemic and schools were forced to close on March 18 in order to slow the spread of coronavirus and help to keep the pressure off our NHS.

To date, the National Crime Agency, Border Force and the Police have been working closely with French authorities to crack down on the criminals who facilitate these dangerous crossings, with 11 people suspected of organising crossings arrested in a single day last month.

There is no place in this country for animal cruelty, and we must ensure that those who abuse animals are met with the full force of the law.

The Government is very concerned about hen harrier populations, which is why we took the lead on the Hen Harrier Action Plan.