MP on new seal bill: ‘we cannot rely on goodwill’

Addressing the House before her bill was passed, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tracey Crouch, highlighted the fact that seals are an “asset” to the UK environment and tourism industry.

The bill amends the Countryside Act 1981, ensuring that it becomes illegal to “intentionally or recklessly disturb seals”.

These changes “ensures that seals are treated the same as whales and dolphins in British legislation”, taking away the need to “rely on goodwill”.