DOVER MP Gwyn Prosser is calling for a total ban on live animal exports in a motion he is putting down in Parliament next week. In association with actress Joanna Lumley, he will lead a march and rally in London on Saturday, February 9.

Mr Prosser's motion already has the support of MPs from all political parties and Compassion in World Farming. He said: "Everyone is pleased to see an end to the foot and mouth epidemic. But the good news is shrouded by dark clouds because it means a resumption of the cruel and inhumane live animal export trade through Dover.

"My motion seeks an outright ban on the export of live farm animals but it also asks the government to support local abattoirs and do all it can to encourage farmers to dispatch their animals as meat products rather than export them live.

"These wretched animals have to suffer long journeys in the UK, put up with rough sea passages across the Channel and are then subjected to even longer journeys across Europe before facing cruel and often illegal slaughter in far away places."

The march and rally in London is being organised by Compassion in World Farming and will be headed by Mr Prosser and Joanna Lumley, star of Absolutely Fabulous, who have been working together on CIWF's campaign for some years.

They will then address a mass gathering of supporters in Trafalgar Square.