Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Hepburn Excerpts

Thursday 21st February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. There is a stark contrast with the progressive approach being taken by the Labour Administration in Wales, who have engaged with the Bill and ensured that we legislate to give Welsh farmers confidence and certainty for the future. The Scottish Government, not for the first time, have decided to put separatist ideology ahead of the interests of Scotland’s farmers and food producers. Having visited Scotland twice in the past week, I have to say that Scotland’s farmers and food producers are scunnered with the Scottish Government’s attitude to their future.

[Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab)]

T3. Foxhunting was banned in 2004, yet the practice remains widespread. Is it not time that the Government beefed up the Hunting Act 2004 and introduced prison sentences to deter people from taking part in and organising these barbaric sports?

[Michael Gove]

There is a clear legislative framework following on from the ban introduced by the Labour Government, and this Government have no intention of changing that ban.