Matthew joined fellow Backbench colleagues in supporting a motion that directed the Government to ban wild animals in circuses. Conservative MPs had been ‘whipped’ on the issue but after Matthew and several of his colleagues said they would not be told what to do on this issue the Government decided not to proceed on a vote. The Backbench motion had been described as a ‘unique opportunity’ to reduce the suffering of wild animals. It was also an opportunity for Parliament to exert its will.
Last month, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman announced there would be no outlawing of the use of wild animals in circuses but promised to enforce ""high welfare standards"". In 2009 there were an estimated 39 wild animals being used in UK circuses, including elephants, tigers, lions, camels, zebras and crocodiles.
Before the debate, Matthew met with constituents to discuss the issue and while he initially supported the ban without a timeframe, he was convinced by the constituents’ argument that only the July 2012 deadline would result in action being taken.
Speaking in the debate Matthew said: “A total ban is needed because it is cruel and ethically wrong to make wild animals perform in circuses in the United Kingdom. The Government has been suggesting that it would be against the Human Rights Act to introduce such a ban but as I made clear in my speech that view is legally wrong. If Parliament determines that wild animals performing in circuses are no longer acceptable to the public and it would, therefore, be in the public interest to ban the use of such animals, the European Court would be very unlikely to question the judgement of Parliament as to what is in the public interest of the United Kingdom.”
Matthew's full speech to the House of Commons can be found at
(HoC Deb. 23 Jun 2011 : Column 560)