Gove says UK law will specifically recognise animal sentience

Environment secretary moves to end social media campaign against Conservative MPs who voted against EU withdrawal bill amendment

Michael Gove has promised to make "any necessary changes" to UK law to recognise that animals can feel pain, after a social media campaign accused Conservative MPs of voting down proposals to accept they are sentient beings.

The environment secretary issued a statement to the House of Commons insisting that it was a misconception to say Tory MPs voted against the idea that animals are sentient and feel pain.