News from Sheffield Labour

Labour’s Penistone and Stocksbridge candidate to vote cruelty free

Angela Smith, current Labour MP for Sheffield Hillsborough, has pledged her support for Vote Cruelty Free, a new non-partisan coalition of animal protection organisations working to put animals on the political agenda.

The alliance has sent its manifesto to all candidates announced for the next General Election and asked them to show their support for the issues raised. So far more than 180 candidates have pledged their support.

Angela Smith MP said: “I have worked on numerous animal welfare issues over the past five years, in conjunction with groups such as IFAW. I am pleased to see this campaign and I hope all candidates in our area sign up to the pledge.”

A Vote Cruelty Free spokesperson said: “Animal protection is an issue close to the UK public’s heart but this is often not reflected in current political debate. It is fantastic that Angela Smith has shown she believes in animal protection issues as much as her potential future constituents in Penistone and Stocksbridge; we are calling on all candidates to follow her lead by pledging their support for Vote Cruelty Free.”

Vote Cruelty Free comprises the BUAV, Compassion in World Farming, IFAW in Action, League Against Cruel Sports and Respect for Animals. It covers a broad range of animal welfare issues including wild and marine animals, animal experimentation, cruel sports, the fur trade and farming.

Vote Cruelty Free is urging all candidates to pledge their support for the initiative. Voters can track candidates who have signed up by visiting the website at votecrueltyfree.org.

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• Station Bridge roundtable with Transport Ministers announced - 8 February 2012
• Paul Blomfield MP slams Tory "ambush" of Government Fair Access Director - 8 February 2012
• Angela Smith MP highlights economic problems faced by Barnsley - 7 February 2012