MP vows to stop horse for food sales

He is deeply concerned that the introduction of horse passports - detailing the drugs the animals have taken - is the first step to allowing British horses to be eaten by the French or Italians.

He took up the issue in a special Commons debate last week when Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, promised that any new regulations on the issue would be tighter than they are already.

But the minister told Mr Cameron: "In this country we view horses and ponies as sporting animals, pets and companions rather than as food, but we need to be honest about the position of horses and ponies that are unwanted and have completed their useful life.

"Horses are slaughtered in this country for meat for human consumption abroad."

Mr Cameron told him: "I do not want to export live horses for meat. I do not think that it should happen.

"I think that it is an evil trade." WEST Oxfordshire MP David Cameron has promised to ensure the Government keeps its promises to stop live horses being exported to Europe to be turned into food.

He is deeply concerned that the introduction of horse passports -- detailing the drugs the animals have taken -- is the first step to allowing British horses to be eaten by the French or Italians.

He took up the issue in a special Commons debate last week when Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, promised that any new regulations on the issue would be tighter than they are already.

But the minister told Mr Cameron: "In this country we view horses and ponies as sporting animals, pets and companions rather than as food, but we need to be honest about the position of horses and ponies that are unwanted and have completed their useful life.

"Horses are slaughtered in this country for meat for human consumption abroad."

Mr Cameron told him: "I do not want to export live horses for meat. I do not think that it should happen.

"I think that it is an evil trade."