Lorraine Platt: Ministers should not shirk from making Britain a world leader in animal welfare

In the Queen’s Speech, we have the opportunity to improve the lives of millions of animals, while bringing our laws into line with public sentiment.

Frank Zilberkweit: Why the Cabinet is right to oppose a ban on fur imports

It will restrict consumer choice, damage the economy, and alienate trade partners whilst doing nothing to drive up standards.

Henry Smith: The Animal Welfare Bill needs protections for laying hens, which are often subjected to significant suffering

Speed of human handling can result in severe bruising, bone fractures and dislocations as they are caught and loaded onto transport.

Roger Gale: It is the season for a fresh crackdown on recalcitrant fox hunters

Deliberately laying a ‘trail hunt’ using the scent of a real animal is asking for ‘accidents’. Time to ban the practice.

Duncan McNair: For too long, UK tourism has driven up cruelty to animals. The Animals Abroad Bill can change that.

But legislation must have teeth – robust enforcement and effective deterrence, not just token fines for multi-billion-pound serial exploiters.

Neil Hudson: To level up rural areas, we must rewild them

While we know it delivers good outcomes for biodiversity, the benefits for farmers, communities and the local economy have been less well-documented.

Snap guide to this session’s Government legislation 10) Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill

Our introduction to: what each Bill is, the politics of it, who’s responsible, arguments for and against – and a controversy rating out of ten.

Why it’s right to make animal abduction a specific offence. And here’s what else should be done.

Updated info, better data sharing, due diligence from prospective owners – all would make a difference.

Snap guide to this session’s Government legislation 6) Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill

Our introduction to: what each Bill is, the politics of it, who’s responsible, arguments for and against – and a controversy rating out of ten.

Henry Smith and Christian Wakeford: The Government would be right to ban fur imports to the UK

The industry’s claims, whether on animal welfare or economic value, simply do not stack up, and public support for action is strong.

Stanley Johnson and Eduardo Goncalves: The ban on trophy hunting must happen – and the legislation be fit for purpose

Ministers run the very serious risk of under-estimating the strength of feeling among Conservative voters on this issue.

European football. Who needs an elephant when one has Bob Blackman?

“2-0 England is my prediction by the way”, he said in an e-mail received by ConservativeHome at 7.53am yesterday morning.

Frank Zilberkweit: Say no to the wardrobe police – the damaging impact of banning natural fur

It would lead to thousands of job losses and closed businesses in the UK, among other damaging consequences.

Mario Laghos: Covid reminds us of the dangers of depending on others. We would be mad to do so again – with food.

The proposed Australian trade deal risks bankrupting our farmers. The competition is unfair, their standards lower – and our consumer gain minimal.

Gareth Johnson: We must overhaul the way animal cruelty is investigated and prosecuted

A better division of labour between the CPS and RSPCA would help to ensure that increasingly sophisticated criminal gangs face justice.