Labour MPs Pressure Starmer to Ban Greyhound Racing in England
Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure from backbench Labour MPs to implement a ban on greyhound racing in England, following recent decisions by the Welsh and Scottish governments to phase out the sport. Animal welfare groups have highlighted that thousands of dogs have died in recent years due to what they describe as an inherently dangerous practice.
Calls for Action from Parliamentarians
At least a dozen Labour MPs, including members of the all-party parliamentary group on animal welfare, have publicly urged Starmer to enforce a ban. Irene Campbell, chair of the APPG, stated: Every year, thousands of greyhounds are injured while racing, ranging from broken bones to fatalities. Even when greyhounds retire, they are often killed when deemed unsuitable for rehoming. Greyhound racing is a cruel and outdated sport and I support calls to end it.
Neil Duncan-Jordan, the MP for Poole, added: Pushing dogs to their limits for entertainment and profit leaves many with life-changing injuries – and too often an early death. Westminster should follow suit and call the last lap on greyhound racing.
Political Divisions and Concerns
Some ministers have expressed concerns, with one telling the Guardian: The sport is outdated and cruel, and this has left England an outlier. If it can be banned in Wales, surely we can follow suit? There are questions from backbenchers as to why we are allowing this cruel sport to continue, and I completely understand why they are asking. MPs have suggested that Labour could include a ban in its recently launched animal welfare strategy.
However, the right wing of the Labour party is lobbying against a ban, fearing it could erode support among working-class voters. Greyhound racing has historically been a working-class pursuit, making it an accessible hobby for people of all incomes. Michael Dugher, a former Labour MP and former chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, is close to Chancellor Rachel Reeves and has warned that banning the sport in Wales reduced Labour's support among working-class people. He predicted similar negative effects in England, potentially driving voters to Reform UK.
Opposition and Reform UK's Stance
Reform UK is hoping to campaign on this issue to gain working-class votes. MP Lee Anderson commented: Banning greyhound racing would be heavy handed and an attack on working-class culture. As someone who used to race greyhounds, who were kept to the highest standard, I can assure you that you don't protect animal welfare with sweeping bans that threaten jobs and traditions. You do it with proper standards and enforcement. This is nanny-state politics at its worst.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has resisted calls to follow Wales and Scotland, stating: We have absolutely no plans whatsoever to ban greyhound racing. We appreciate the joy that it brings to many, many people in our country and the economic contribution that it makes.
Animal Welfare Data and Charities' Response
Animal charities have been briefing MPs and asking Labour to reconsider. Data shows that between 2018 and 2023, 2,700 greyhounds died and more than 26,500 injuries were recorded. Jo Rowland, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: No animal should be suffering or dying in the name of entertainment. Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved, and the industry's own data shows that thousands of injuries have occurred in recent years, while hundreds of dogs have lost their lives. That level of suffering, purely for the purpose of entertainment, is simply unacceptable.
A government spokesperson acknowledged concerns about greyhound welfare but added: There are no plans to ban greyhound racing, but robust laws and a strong regulatory body – the Greyhound Board of Great Britain – are in place to ensure high standards and make improvements in greyhound welfare.
