The Government has “absolutely no plans” to ban greyhound racing in the rest of the UK despite Wales’ intentions to do so.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told MPs she appreciates the “joy” the sport brings as well as its economic contribution.
In regards to the Welsh government’s decision, which was announced earlier this month, Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “We note what is happening in other countries across the world who are taking steps to ban this activity.
“As a result, I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
The country now looks to introduce the ban “as soon as practically possible” after citing concerns around animal welfare. Meanwhile, a petition to ban the sport received more than 35,000 signatures.
Shortly after the announcement, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) hit back and stated that it is “deeply disappointed” with the decision.
Within culture, media and sport questions in the Commons on Thursday, Louie French, Shadow Culture Minister, explained how at the end of last year, the minister for sports, Stephanie Peacock, stated the importance of greyhound racing to the nation’s culture and economy.
He added: “But last week Labour in Wales announced its intention to ban greyhound racing as soon as practically possible.
“Will the secretary of state tell us who she agrees with, her sports minister or the deputy first minister, and will she make clear if she is planning to ban greyhound racing across the UK?”
Nandy replied to this with: “I can answer his question directly. I agree with the sports minister.
“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.”
When asked last week if it was considering a ban across England, the UK government declined to comment.
