Labour unveils plans to review use of the whip in new animal welfare manifesto

A future Labour government would launch a review of the whip in racing as part of a move to radically strengthen animal welfare law.

The pledge is part of Labour's 50-point animal welfare manifesto, which is set to be unveiled on Wednesday, and will heighten fears that British racing could be subject to politically motivated outside regulation in the future.

In the manifesto, under the section 'Animals in sport', the use of the whip as a motivational tool is questioned, with the pledge that a Labour government would carry out an independent review into its use.

Labour manifesto

The use of the whip is allowed for two purposes: to keep rider and mount safe, and for 'encouragement'. Labour would carry out an independent review of the use of the whip to establish if its use for 'encouragement' can be justified.

Conor McGinn, Labour MP for St Helens North and a supporter of racing in parliament, said: "There is much to be welcomed in this manifesto on animal welfare, but it is frustrating and concerning to hear yet another policy that would have a major impact on racing announced by politicians who have had little or no engagement with the sport.

"British racing already has an independently chaired welfare board, significant restrictions on the use of the whip and most importantly an exemplary record when it comes to putting the horse and its wellbeing first.

Conor McGinn: 'It is frustrating and concerning to hear yet another policy that would have a major impact on racing'

"Yet again, I find myself wishing that some of my Labour colleagues would focus on the millions of working men and women who enjoy horseracing, and the tens of thousands of people it employs in the rural economy, rather than listen to a small but vociferous protest lobby which ultimately wants to see racing completely banned."

Earlier this month the BHA condemned the animal rights organisation Animal Aid's use of London buses to carry anti-whip messages, while racing's winningmost trainer Mark Johnston said in July removal of the whip would threaten the very existence of the sport.

However, BHA chief executive Nick Rust recently indicated he believed stricter whip penalties would need to be introduced by the sport, telling the National Association of Racing Staff's AGM: "You've seen the whip debate in the media and we've announced that we are reviewing the use of the whip. I can't see staying still as being an option and we need to make sure we make the right decision for the sport."

Nick Rust: has said that the BHA will revisit its whip regulationsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Last month a spokesman for the BHA confirmed it was "carrying out a significant project to assess data compiled since the last whip review in 2011", which would then be considered by the sport's horse welfare board.

Labour's shadow environmental secretary Sue Hayman said of the manifesto, which also includes pledges to ban keeping primates as pets and the import of hunting trophies: "Consulting with members and animal rights organisations means that our policies are not campaigns of the month like the Tories, but thought through and comprehensive measures that will bring Britain's animal welfare policy into the 21st century.

"Labour will ensure that we have a comprehensive legislative agenda in place to make sure that the UK has animal rights protections equal to or better than anywhere in the world."

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