Evans calls out Senedd on Welsh racing ban

Evans shoots down Welsh racing ban

James Evans MS has spoken to the Senedd to raise his concerns on the proposed Welsh ban on greyhound racing.

Evans, who is the Welsh Conservative MS for Brecon & Radnorshire and the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, issued his reasons as to why he is against the ban and expressed concerns about how the legislation has come into place.

On Monday, the Welsh government announced plans to ban greyhound with the introduction of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill by Huw Irranca-Davies.

If the Bill is passed, it will make operating a stadium or venue in Wales and knowingly allowing its use for greyhound racing an offence, as well as organising a greyhound race anywhere in Wales.

The GBGB’s Mark Bird issued his initial response on Monday, and now Evans has also come out in defence of the sport with a passionate speech posted of his X account.

He said: “I have opposition to it (the ban) on principle but mainly how this legislation has come around.

“There was no engagement with the industry in the run up to this ban and there were no visits to the site (Valley).

“Considering that Senedd members and government ministers were having selfies outside the Senedd with anti-racing bodies and didn’t speak to GBGB members directly, that is not the way you legislate. You consult properly beforehand with the industry, with all the people involved – owners, trainers, veterinary surgeons who work there – and then you come up with a position.

“Unfortunately, this has been done with a backroom deal with Jane Dodds to get the budget through. I’ve got total opposition to it.”

Watch his full speech here.

Mark Bird, Chief Executive of GBGB, said:

“The debate showed that across the Chamber there is considerable concern about the process, speed and utter lack of due diligence involved in this Bill.

“We are grateful to all those Senedd Members across parties who spoke up for Welsh people and businesses, and raised important, salient points about the failings in consultation and the significant risks and implications of this legislation.

“This Bill will only serve the current Administration and Jane Dodds who, once again, proudly claimed credit for her part in this dodgy deal.

“Governments are temporary, but legislation is permanent. Not only will this legislation do nothing for the people of Wales or for greyhound welfare, the lack of attention paid to common sense and detail also risks damaging the reputations of those responsible for drafting it.

“It is no surprise that those MSs who had taken the time to engage with us and with the Valley Greyhound Stadium and learn about the high standards of greyhound made possible through regulation, spoke accurately and fairly in the debate. It remains disappointing to see so many others' views rely on wholly inaccurate information.”