MPs get behind The Blue Cross

Members of Parliament have thrown their support behind The Blue Cross after an unexpected visit.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell popped into one of the charity’s adoption centres in Cambridge to have a look around.

He was so impressed with what he saw he proposed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to acknowledge the “extraordinary and invaluable work undertaken by The Blue Cross.”  

The EDM has already been signed by 40 MPs. 

Cambridge adoption centre manager Alan Maskell said: “We showed him around and explained what we do at Cambridge and on a national level, making sure he had plenty of relevant literature to take away with him.

“Subsequently we received a thank you letter which also said he would table an early day motion. We’re not sure if he has returned the customer feedback form though!”

This is what the EDM says:

That this House acknowledges the extraordinary and invaluable work undertaken by The Blue Cross, Britain's pet charity, carrying out over 55,000 consultations, 7,500 operations and 12,000 diagnostic procedures on sick and injured animals annually; recognises the tireless commitment made by their team of dedicated volunteers who complement the work of their paid staff, having given 114,046 hours of their time last year alone; promotes their outstanding reputation for re-homing unwanted and abandoned animals, educating the public in responsible pet ownership; and thoroughly commends their tremendous contribution to animal welfare throughout the United Kingdom.

What is an Early Day Motion?

An Early Day Motion is a formal motion submitted for a debate in the House of Commons. Very few actually end up being debated but they are used for other reasons, like publicising the views of individual MPs, showing parliamentary support for a particular cause or point of view or to draw attention to an event or campaign.