PROTECT THE WILD STEALS THE NEWS IN MAKERFIELD ALONGSIDE ANDY BURNHAM

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Millions saw our message: PROTECT BRITISH WILDLIFE JUN 19 READ IN APP In the early hours of this morning, I found myself standing on a stage beside Andy Burnham, one of the most influential politicians in Britain and a man many believe could one day become Prime Minister. Millions of people watching national television coverage saw one clear message: Protect British Wildlife. There was no escaping it. I stood as a candidate in the Makerfield by-election for one reason: to force British wildlife into a political conversation that too often ignores it. While the broadcasters l cut away from my impromptu speech (watch below), they could not avoid the message itself. Standing directly beside the winning candidate, with cameras broadcasting across the country, I was able to put the plight of British wildlife front and centre. And that matters. Because despite promises of change, wildlife continue to be pushed to the bottom of the political agenda. A Government Failing Wildlife The current Government came into office promising a better future for animals. Yet since taking power, we have seen a series of deeply disappointing reversals. Plans to ban trophy hunting imports have been abandoned. Promised action on foie gras imports has disappeared. Badger culling continued for two years and despite now having ended there, the Govt has still not ruled out the possibility of it coming back. Meanwhile, wildlife protections continue to be weakened in favour of development, and species across Britain remain in decline. Now the Government has just finished consulting on the future of hunting. That is welcome. But consultation alone is not enough. There is still no clear commitment to removing all of the loopholes and exemptions in the 2004 Hunting Act that allow hunts to continue operating. There is still no timetable for legislation. And there remains genuine concern that reforms could fall short of what animals desperately need. Taking the Message Directly to Andy Burnham Before the count, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Andy Burnham. I told him plainly that his party has failed British wildlife. I explained that since coming into power, the Government has U-turned on key animal protection promises while making life easier for developers and harder for wildlife. I urged him that if he is serious about becoming Prime Minister in the future, he must show leadership on issues that matter to millions of people who care about animals. That means finally ending fox hunting for good. It means committing to a complete end to the badger cull. And it means recognising that British wildlife cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought. Interestingly, when I asked for a photograph with Andy before the results were declared while holding a sign reading “Protect British Wildlife”, his team declined the request. Perhaps not the most encouraging start for a politician with national ambitions. To his credit, Andy listened to what I had to say. And he pointed out that he had voted to ban fox hunting during his time as an MP, and said he heard my concerns and appreciated me raising them. Fortunately, once the results were announced, there was no avoiding the message. Standing directly beside Andy on the stage, with cameras and photographers capturing the moment from every angle, the words “Protect British Wildlife” were broadcast and photographed nationwide. We won’t stop fighting. Thank you for your incredible support as always, onwards and upwards! Donate to Protect the Wild SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing