Culture sec Nandy backs sport ahead of special Valley fixture

LISA NANDY, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, has confirmed the government has no plans to legislate against greyhound racing in England following last week's shock announcement of such a move in Wales.

Indeed, having been questioned by Louie French, the shadow parliamentary under secretary with the same portfolio, Nandy went further and stressed the pleasure given, plus economic contribution made, by greyhound racing.

Nandy, who was echoing the comments of sports minister Stephanie Peacock - who in December stated the importance of greyhound racing to the nation’s culture and economy - said: "We have absolutely no plans whatsoever to ban greyhound racing. We appreciate the joy it brings to many, many people in our country, and the economic contribution that it makes."

The news was warmly greeted by the GBGB, with the Racing Post reporting commercial director Mark Moisley saying: “We welcome the comments made today by Lisa Nandy. We are also encouraged by her comments about the joy that the sport brings to many people and the economic contribution the industry makes to the UK.

“We thank the Shadow Minister for Sport for his question following our meeting with him on Wednesday to brief him on developments in Wales and we look forward to continuing discussions with politicians across the UK on a cross-party basis to champion our sport."

Meanwhile, Valley's special St David's Day evening meeting on Saturday is being branded as a community fixture giving the chance to show support for the track and sport.

Valley track operator and GBGB board member Katie Bennison said: “We have been heartened by the supportive reaction to the unprecedented announcement by the Welsh government that they intend to ban greyhound racing on a political whim and taking no factual evidence into account.

“The return of Saturday evening racing, most appropriately on St David’s Day, is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to show just what greyhound racing and Valley mean to them.

“We look forward to welcoming friends old and new for what will be a real family occasion including the opportunity to meet and greet a number of our cherished retired greyhounds.”