I was pleased to be able to present the Second Reading of my Presentation Bill, the Animals (low-welfare activities) Bill. A huge amount of work has been done on this bill by many people, all of whom have my thanks.
As I have previously reported, this bill will make it illegal for UK tour operators to sell as part of holidays any experience that takes advantage of animals who have been subject to inhumane and often barbaric training to perform.
This includes dolphin swims, elephant rides and the petting of big cats - all circumstances that deny these animals their natural habit and behaviours. There are all too many other examples.
After a good and supportive cross-party debate, I summed up and welcomed any applicants to the bill committee, where this bill will receive further scrutiny and the benefit of input from those MPs who have experience and expertise in this field.