Keir Starmer has called for a ban on ‘brutal’ greyhound racing in England

Keir Starmer is coming under pressure from backbench MPs to ban the “evil” practice of greyhound racing.

The Welsh and Scottish Governments voted last month to end the practice. Animal welfare groups say thousands of UK dogs have died in recent years as a result of running in the “inherently dangerous” sport.

At least a dozen Labor MPs, including members of the all-party parliamentary group on animal welfare, have spoken out, calling on Starmer to bring the ban to England.

APPG chairman Irene Campbell said: “Every year, thousands of greyhounds are injured while running, from broken bones to fatal injuries.

Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, said: “Pushing dogs to their limits for fun and profit leaves many people with life-changing injuries – and often early death.

Some ministers have raised concerns, too. Another told the Guardian: “The game is out of date and cruel, and it has left England in a strange place. If it is banned in Wales, surely we can follow suit?”

MPs said Labor could add the ban to its newly launched animal welfare policy.

The right wing of the Labor party is urging the government to stand firm, fearing that banning the games could damage Labor’s vote. Greyhound racing has long been a working-class sport and made racing a hobby for people of all incomes.

Michael Dugher, a former Labor MP and until recently chairman of the Betting and Sports Council, is close to the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who last year attended her 50th birthday party. He is understood to have told the Labor leadership that banning greyhound racing in Wales had reduced support for the party among working people, and that if Labor lost the Senedd election its position on greyhound racing would be to blame.

He predicted such negative effects on voting if such a policy were introduced in England, when voters were driven to Reform UK.

Reform hopes to campaign on this issue in order to get workers’ votes. MP Lee Anderson said to the Guardian: “Banning greyhound racing would be an attack on working-class culture. As someone who used to race greyhounds, who were kept to the highest standard, I can assure you that you are not protecting the welfare of the animals with massive restrictions that threaten jobs and traditions. You are doing it on politically correct principles.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy rejected calls to follow the example of Wales and Scotland. He said: “We have absolutely no intention of banning greyhound racing.

Animal charities have called on Labor to reconsider and are informing MPs. Between 2018 and 2023, 2,700 greyhounds died and more than 26,500 injuries to greyhounds were reported.

Jo Rowland, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “No animal should suffer or die for entertainment.

A government spokesman said it was aware of concerns about the welfare of racing greyhounds. However, they added: “There are no plans to ban greyhound racing, but strong laws and a strong regulatory body – the Greyhound Board of Great Britain – exist to ensure high standards and improve the welfare of the greyhound.”