NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray took to the saddle to protest against the export of live horses.

The shadow Rural Affairs Minister rode across London to Parliament to take part in a debate on the issue.

Mr Gray, who is the president of the Association Of British Riding Schools, demanded that the ban on live exports to Europe for slaughter for human consumption should be kept in place.

Campaigners fear new EU regulations could allow the resumption of a live export trade which has been banned by the UK Government since 1937 with the passing of the Exportation Of Horses Act.

This is because the regulations do not currently include a provision to allow the UK to uphold protective legislation.

Arriving on retired police horse Pascal, Mr Gray said: "Conservatives demand an absolute ban on the live export of horses for slaughter for human consumption."