UK's Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, commented today that the UK is not expected to impose a complete ban on greyhound racing.
Last week, the Welsh government announced plans to become the first country in the UK to ban the sport of greyhound racing, a decision made after public consultation showed that two-thirds of respondents supported a phased ban on the sport.
However, when asked in the House of Commons whether the ban would extend to other parts of the UK, Nandy emphasized, "There are no plans to ban greyhound racing," highlighting the "joy" the sport brings to people and its economic contribution.
UK's Minister for National Sport and Entertainment and Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy's remarks today were responded to by Mark Moseley, Minister for National Sport and Entertainment, stating that the UK will not follow Wales in banning greyhound races.
"Her comments on the joy this sport brings to many and its economic contribution to the UK are also inspiring to us.
"We had a meeting with the Shadow Sports Minister yesterday, introducing him to the latest developments in Wales, and we appreciate his questions. We look forward to continuing bipartisan discussions with politicians across the UK to promote our sports."
"Greyhound racing is integrated into British culture, contributing £164 million ($207 million) annually to the UK economy, providing employment for 5,400 people, and remains one of the top ten spectator sports in the UK. Our primary task is to ensure this trend continues, with the welfare of greyhounds at its core."
Gambling Insider recently analyzed the event of New Zealand banning greyhound racing in our Sports Betting Focus magazine.
Moseley continued, "As an industry, we have made significant progress in improving the welfare of greyhounds at all stages of their lives, but we need gambling companies to provide more financial support through mandatory taxation to ensure the welfare of greyhounds and the long-term future of the sport.
"This is why we launched the 'Keep Welfare Running' campaign, calling on all gambling companies to pay statutory rather than voluntary taxes.
"Next year marks the 100th anniversary of greyhound racing in the UK, and we look forward to constructive cooperation with governments across the UK to ensure that licensed greyhound racing thrives for the next 100 years."
