NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has welcomed a Government pledge to oppose the live export of horses for human consumption.
The Shadow Countryside Minister, who rode into Parliament on horseback in March to highlight his campaign, said: "The news that the Government is now opposed to the live export of horses for human consumption will come as a welcome relief to horse lovers the length and breadth of England."
The Tory MP asked Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael for a clarification of the Government's position on the issue through a parliamentary question.
Mr Michael said the Government was not in favour of the live export of horses for slaughter and had worked closely with annual welfare organisations on the issue and to strengthen the welfare requirements for horses in transit.
Mr Gray said: "The Government now seems to accept the wisdom of our campaign and I congratulate all of the tens of thousands of people who wrote to them, signed petitions and took part in a very active campaign against this revolting trade."
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