Animal Defence International, the leading animal protection organisation that works globally for the protection of animals, has stepped up its campaign to ban the use of wild animals in circuses - and David Amess MP, for Southend West, has pledged his support.

In a show of unity, Mr Amess, ADI representatives and over 20 MPs from all political persuasions gathered today at Parliament to pledge their commitment to securing a ban on the use of wild animals in UK circuses, and calling on the Minister responsible - Lord Henley - to finally action what the UK is calling out for.

Jan Creamer, Chief Executive of Animal Defenders International said: ""We applaud Mr Amess for helping strike a blow for wild animals currently languishing in UK circuses. We have been encouraged by the results of the Government's own public consultation last year that found nearly 100 percent of the public were behind a total ban.""