Keir Starmer urged to ban ‘cruel’ greyhound racing in England

Exclusive: Group of MPs and animal charities call for end to practice after Scotland and Wales vote to phase it out Keir Starmer is coming under pressure from backbench Labour MPs to ban the “cruel” practice of greyhound racing. The Welsh and Scottish governments voted last month to phase out the practice. Animal welfare groups say thousands of dogs in the UK have died in recent years owing to racing in the “inherently dangerous” sport. At least a dozen Labour MPs, including members of the all-party parliamentary group on animal welfare, have spoken out, asking Starmer to bring the ban into force in England. The chair of the APPG, Irene Campbell, said: “Every year, thousands of greyhounds are injured while racing, ranging from broken bones to fatalities. Even when greyhounds retire, they are often killed when deemed ‘unsuitable for rehoming’. Greyhound racing is a cruel and outdated sport and I support calls to end it.” Neil Duncan-Jordan, the MP for Poole, said: “Pushing dogs to their limits for entertainment and profit leaves many with life‑changing injuries – and too often an early death. Westminster should follow suit and call the last lap on greyhound rac