Michael Sheen: Tony Blair actor urges David Cameron to ban wild animals in circuses
'There is no longer any excuse for delaying the ban'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British actor Michael Sheen has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to “do the right thing” and ban the use of wild animals in circuses, adding even his lion tamer great-grandmother would agree with him if she were alive today.
Writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), Sheen, who has three times played Tony Blair in docu-drama films, called for the Government to act and said: “There is no longer any excuse for delaying the ban.”
The Independent has been at the forefront of pushing for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. The Prime Minister called it an “outdated practice” and committed to a ban in his manifesto.
Yet in March a trio of Tory backbenchers blocked the necessary bill for the 12th and final time, meaning it would not pass. “Although that promise has now been broken, now is the right time to do the right thing,” Sheen said.
Elisa Allen, associate director of Peta, said: “It’s not too late to do the right thing and get the legislation enacted during this parliament.”
According to figures compiled by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in 2010, 94 per cent of the British public support a ban. Sheen wrote: “That’s because our understanding of animals such as elephants, zebras and lions has improved, and we now know that a circus environment can never meet their complex needs.”
The actor criticised circuses that make animals ride bicycles, stand on their head or jump through rings of fire, saying whips, muzzles and electric prods were used to train them.
It is not the first time the Bafta award-winning actor has spoken out over political causes. A speech he gave supporting the NHS went viral in March. Meanwhile, Sir Paul McCartney has condemned proposals to bring back fox hunting as “cruel”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments