I have added my name to that of thousands of people from across the UK and Europe who have called for an end to the suffering caused by the long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter.

Every year around 100,000 horses are transported the length and breadth of the continent. These horses can travel for days in cramped conditions, often without proper rest, food or water.

I signed a European Parliament Written Declaration calling for the European Commission and Member States to scrutinise a dossier of evidence on horse transportation with regards to the rules on animal transport laid down in EU rules.

This Written Declaration, which is a chance for MEPs to voice their views on a particular matter of concern, follows on from a petition collected by the charity World Horse Welfare, which seeks to ensure fair protection for horses worldwide.

It is my hope that this Written Declaration will go some way towards ending the suffering of horses in the EU and improving animal welfare more generally.