Business of the House

Steve Race Excerpts

Thursday 18th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As ever, the hon. Gentleman raises a serious matter. I pay tribute to his tireless work in this regard. He knows that the UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all. We have regularly raised concerns in that regard in Vietnam with the Vietnamese Government, including through the work of our special envoy for freedom of religion or belief, my hon. Friend the Member for North Northumberland (David Smith), and we will continue to do so. I will ensure that the hon. Gentleman gets a response from the relevant Minister.

[Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab)]

Dartmoor ponies are vital for the biodiversity of the moor and the economy of the south-west. They are so iconic that they feature as the logo of the national park. However, Natural England’s policies mean that the population of ponies has fallen from over 5,000 10 years ago to under 1,000 today. The Prime Minister and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have made it clear that they do not support any pony cull, whether by design or by default. Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on the role of Natural England and its responsibilities to deliver on the Fursdon review?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter, which has caused some concern after the reporting on it. Dartmoor ponies are an important part of Dartmoor’s heritage and are important in supporting its habitats. Natural England is not recommending a cull—I do not believe it is in its power to do anything about that anyway—and let me put it quite clearly on the record that the Government would not allow one.