I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for not only his comments but his campaigning against the export of horses for slaughter. He is a tenacious campaigner in this area and I pay tribute to him for his work.
7 pm
I understand the desire by hon. Members to ensure that the ban applies to all livestock species. I share their ambition to see exports on the hook rather than on the hoof. However, I firmly believe that the current definition is comprehensive. It is enough already, particularly taking into account the past data on slaughter export trade. I hope that I have reassured Members on that point. I therefore ask hon. Members to withdraw amendments 1 to 5.
Amendments 6 to 12 have been withdrawn, so let me turn to some of the general points made by colleagues in the debate. There was commentary that as a Government
we have done very little on animal welfare. Indeed, hon. Members mentioned the three or four things that the Labour party did while it was in power, but it would be remiss not to remind the House briefly of some of the things that this Government have done, not least recognise animal sentience in law and launch the committee to advise Government.