AN MP chas called on Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has made the request after it was revealed that 18 wild animals are still used in the UK today.

According to the MP, the UK is falling behind other countries in taking action despite public opinion consistently showing support for a ban.

Mr Stephenson has now joined the RSPCA in Parliament to campaign for a ban on the use.

The Tory MP said circuses are wholly unsuitable environments for wild animals, with repeated studies showing that circus life is likely to have a significantly harmful impact on the welfare of many types of animals.

He said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA in campaigning to bring an end to the use of wild animals in circuses.

"We are a nation of animal lovers, so I find it shocking that this practice is still happening in the UK today.

"It is time for the Government to take action.”

Ros Clubb, senior scientific manager for captive wild animals, has also said wild animals do not belong in the circus.

He added: "We continue to push the Westminster Government to bring in its manifesto promise to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses in England as we believe these animals cannot be cared for adequately within the current level of regulations.

In 2018, there's simply no excuse for it.”