Pressure Mounts on Starmer to Ban Greyhound Racing in England
Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure from backbench Labour MPs to implement a ban on greyhound racing in England, following similar moves by the Welsh and Scottish governments. Animal welfare groups describe the sport as outdated and cruel, with thousands of dogs suffering injuries or death in recent years.
MPs and Charities Demand Action
At least a dozen Labour MPs, including members of the all-party parliamentary group on animal welfare, have publicly called for Starmer to enact the 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 Greyhound racing is a cruel and outdated sport and I support calls to end it.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, 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.
Internal Labour Party Divisions
While some ministers have expressed concerns, with one telling the Guardian that England has become an outlier by allowing the sport to continue, there is resistance within the Labour party. The right wing fears that banning greyhound racing could alienate working-class voters, as the sport has historically been a popular and accessible pastime for people of all incomes.
Michael Dugher, a former Labour MP and ex-chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, has warned the Labour leadership that the ban in Wales reduced support among working-class people. He predicted similar negative effects in England, potentially driving voters to Reform UK.
Political Opposition and Cultural Debate
Reform UK is hoping to capitalize on this issue to gain working-class votes. MP Lee Anderson, a former greyhound racer, argued: 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 Statistics and Calls for Reconsideration
Animal charities have been briefing MPs, highlighting data showing 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 but stated: 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.
