Business of the House

Debate between Ashley Fox and Roger Gale

Thursday 14th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)]

First, I thank the Leader of the House for his unfailing courtesy at the Dispatch Box, and for the meticulous manner in which he refers Members’ concerns to the appropriate Ministers. Whoever emerges as the leader of the Labour party, I very much hope that he will remain in his post.

[Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater) (Con)]

It might be him!

[Sir Roger Gale]

I would not wish that on him.

Given the Labour party’s manifesto commitments, some of us had rather hoped we might find in the King’s Speech a Bill to ban the proceeds of trophy hunting, something to do with hare coursing or improving farm animal welfare. The sad fact is that there was no such mention of any animal welfare issue whatsoever in the King’s Speech, and I would be grateful if the right hon. Gentleman addressed that.

While I am on my feet, could I also say that, with the hospitality industry on its knees, now is not the moment to introduce a tourism tax?