In the UK, local elections will be taking place in the first week of May, this means that the two months before are the perfect time to lobby your MP. Tell them what you want and force them to make promises. I did this through PETA regarding foie gras, below is the response that I received from the UK government.
Letter
"Thank you for your email regarding the rumours around fur and foie gras imports. I have noted your views.
The government has made clear that the production of foie gras from ducks or geese using force feeding raises serious welfare concerns. The production of foie gras by force feeding has been banned in the UK for over 15 years following the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It is a legal requirement to provide for an animal's welfare needs, such as supplying a suitable diet and protecting the animal from injury and disease. Likewise, fur farming has been banned in England and Wales since 2000, and 2002 in Scotland and Northern Ireland on ethical grounds.
Whilst a member of the EU, Britain was subject to rules regarding the movement of goods within the EU market. Now that our future relationship with the EU has been established, we are able to take further steps where there is clear evidence of low welfare standards. I would like to assure you that the Government is seriously considering steps that could be taken in relation to products produced overseas that do not adhere to our high ethical standards, such as restrictions on import and sale.
The Government is gathering information and will continue to speak to a range of interested parties about the issues involved. This is in line with the commitment to improving animal welfare standards, as set out in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare which was published on 12 May.
I am personally a strong supporter of improving animal welfare standards. You may have noticed I am on the Bill Committee for the Animal Sentience Bill, which means I will play an integral role in ensuring that the Government delivers on truly enshrining Animal Sentience into law, a topic I feel passionate about.
The Government is wholly committed to ensuring Britain is a pioneer in animal welfare legislation. High standards of animal welfare are one of the hallmarks of a civilised society, and I am proud to say that this was a centrepiece of the Conservative Party 2019 manifesto. The Government was elected on pledges to introduce tougher sentences for animal cruelty, enact pioneering laws on animal sentience, crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, enforce the ivory ban, ban imports from trophy hunting and bring forward cat microchipping among other measures.
I look forward to making sure Government delivers on these promises to cement Britain's status a global pioneer in animal rights.
Yours sincerely,"
Well, I'll believe it when I see it. You don't have to be of voting age to right a letter or email. If you can't vote yet the politicians want to secure your vote in the future.
This is time to put the pressure on, let's do it!
Well done...making great improvements to our society. Good work!! 👍