Time for Change – the League at political party conferences

As Autumn rolls around each year at the League Against Cruel Sports, the attentions of our public affairs team turn to political party conferences. A unique opportunity to engage with, and take our message directly to parliamentarians, party officials and members. This year our presence was headlined by exhibitions stands at Liberal Democrat and Labour conference we were keen to ensure that animal welfare remains at the forefront of political discussions.

Having an exhibition stand allowed us a space to share our messaging, giving us a presence that couldn’t be missed by decision makers. This allowed us to bring increased attention to our ongoing campaigns to protect animals, particularly with new legislation on fox hunting and snaring anticipated in the next five years. We were able to meet dozens of new and existing MPs, police and crime commissioners, councillors and local party activists to ensure that the government’s manifesto pledges to end trail hunting and snaring result in urgent action to prevent cruelty to animals. The overwhelmingly positive response received is certainly encouraging for action in the near future.

In addition to our exhibition stands, animal welfare featured at all three major party conferences at events hosted by the charity sector. We were delighted to jointly host panel discussion events with Humane Society International, Four Paws and Born Free to discuss the vital actions needed to protect wildlife from persecution. It was great to be joined by Ruth Jones MP, a former shadow animal welfare minister, and Dan Norris MP, a former Defra minister, at Labour conference, as well as Tim Farron MP, spokesperson for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at Lib Dem conference.

Speaking on a panel at the Labour party conference about the need to strengthen the Hunting Act, Acting CEO of the League Chris Luffingham said: “It’s an unfinished job, and that’s what the Labour party now has to do, is come back in and finish the job that they started 20 years ago.” 

With a commitment in the Government’s manifesto to end trail hunting, the League looks forward to working with the Government and the newly elected parliament to ensure that loopholes are closed and the smokescreen of trail hunting ends with urgency to protect animals from persecution.

Following the news on the eve of Liberal Democrat conference that an agreement allowing for trail hunting to take place on Ministry of Defence (MoD) land has been suspended pending ministerial review, there is now significant momentum behind the campaign to end hunting. This was reflected by positive conversations we have been able to have with MPs to secure their support for a permanent ending of trail hunting on MoD land and a strengthened hunting act.

We’re grateful to all those who stopped by to talk with us, share ideas, and commit to helping us to end hunting, snaring and improve the lives of animals at risk from persecution in the name of so-called sports. Together, we can bring about lasting change for the animals who need it most.