MP joins fight to protect wildlife policing

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden is backing a campaign to save the National Wildlife Crime Unit which tackles issues such as rare bird egg theft, illegal deer poaching, hare coursing and cruelty to wild animals.

The unit is now under threat with government ministers set to make a decision by the end of this month.

Mr Marsden said; “As a long standing supporter of animal welfare issues, I know from the many constituents who contact me with concerns about cruelty to wild animals, just how passionately they and many others in Blackpool feel on these issues.

“I hope this delay in confirming funding is not a sop to please Tory hunt supporters in Parliament and their donors outside who might prefer a blind eye being turned to illegal hunting activities.

“For the Government to deny funding support on that basis would be deplorable and incomprehensible to the vast majority of people in the UK, including many Conservative supporters.”