Last week, the Welsh government announced that it would be moving ahead with a ban “as soon as practically possible”. In doing so, it will become the first country in the UK to halt greyhound racing.
The announcement raised questions as to whether other countries, or the entire UK, could follow suit. Several MPs have since spoken in UK parliament to declare their support for the sport, including undersecretary of state for culture, media and sport, Stephanie Peacock.
Yesterday, Louie French, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, raised the issued directly with Nandy, who in her governmental role oversees all sport in the UK. French asked whether she agreed with her deputy (Peacock) in that no such ban should be put in place.
Nandy responded by saying there are currently no plans to extend the Welsh ban to the rest of the UK.
“I can answer the question directly: I agree with the sports minister,” Nandy said. “We have absolutely no plans whatsoever to ban greyhound racing. We appreciate the joy it brings to many, many people in our country and the economic contribution it makes.”
Greyhound Board of Great Britain urges financial support
In response, Mark Moisley, commercial director at the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), welcomed the comments. In a statement, he said the organisation will continue to work on a “cross-party basis” to champion greyhound racing.
Moisley had last week hit out at the Welsh government over its decision to move ahead with a ban.
“Greyhound racing is enshrined in British culture and contributes £164 million a year to the economy, employs 5,400 people and remains one of the top 10 spectator sports in the UK,” Moisley said, according to the Independent.
“Our priority is to ensure this continues, with the welfare of greyhounds at the heart of this.”
Moisley also spoke out about the need for more financial support for the sport from the betting sector. He said this will help ensure both the long-term future of racing and welfare of greyhounds.
“As an industry we have made great strides in enhancing the welfare of racing greyhounds at all stages of their life,” Moisley said. “But we need more financial support from bookmakers in the way of a compulsory levy to secure the long-term future of greyhound welfare and the sport.”
Other countries pursuing racing ban
Upon confirming its planned ban last week, the Welsh government said it would work with other countries that have taken similar steps.
The New Zealand government announced plans to end greyhound racing in December. Racing minister Winston Peters said at the time that he hoped to introduce legislation to facilitate the shut-down this year.
An implementation group, set up to oversee the process in Wales, will consider New Zealand’s approach when setting out how its own ban will work. This group will also engage with various stakeholders.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/uk-government-no-plans-greyhound-racing-ban/
