Campaign Responses

I receive a lot of standard emails which are pre-scripted by campaign websites and organisations. I do collect, read and consider these emails but, given the volume, I do not always reply to them individually. I do, however, post my response to the issue raised here.

My responses:

Protecting the Environment

Protecting the environment is one of the greatest challenges of our generation and a core concern to many who live in and around Newbury.  

Animal Welfare

As an animal lover myself, I can assure you that I take the issue of animal testing and welfare extremely seriously.

Smartphone Free Childhood

I am very supportive of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign and, if it was up to me, I would ban smartphones altogether for under 16s (much to the fury of my own children).

Fur Trade

My ministerial colleagues and I are committed to upholding our high standards in animal welfare. The Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare sets out Ministers' vision to introduce a range of world-leading reforms to improve the welfare and conservation of animals at home and abroad.

Energy Charter Treaty

I am aware that, following a review of its membership, the Government has announced that the UK, along with nine EU member states, will leave the ECT.

Social Care Workforce (dementia patients)

There are currently 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040, so it is crucial that the social care system is set up to meet the needs of those affected by dementia.

Ocean Protection

The UK is a global leader in protecting our seas, the ocean and marine life, working with counterparts both in the UK and overseas.

Ear cropping (dogs)

As the highest ranked G7 nation on World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, the UK is a world leader on animal welfare. In 2021, the Government's Action Plan for Animal Welfare set out reforms for this Parliament and beyond, many of which the Government has since enacted.

Homelessness - Crisis Event

I welcome your passion for ending homelessness once and for all, and I want to assure you that this is something shared by myself and my ministerial colleagues. I recognise the very real costs of homelessness highlighted by Crisis's work.

The Big Plastic Count

I can assure you that the Government is committed to tackling plastic pollution.  In December 2018, the Resources and Waste Strategy for England was published, which sets out how the Government wants to achieve this and move towards a circular economy.  Ministers have committed to work towards al

Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill

I appreciate the strength of feeling around this issue. Around a million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction and the abundance, diversity and connectivity of species is declining faster than at any time in human history.