London Mayor Discusses Animal Welfare Commitments In New Letter

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has outlined plans to improve animal welfare policies within the Greater London Authority (GLA), including incorporating animal welfare considerations into its procurement plan. The new GLA Responsible Procurement Policy, set to be released this year, will address animal welfare in the procurement of products and services, with the GLA spending approximately £9.5 billion annually on such items.

Additionally, the Mayor confirmed that the British Fashion Council, which receives funding from the GLA, has banned the use of exotic animal skins in future fashion shows. Although progress has been made, Deputy Green Party Leader Zack Polanski believes more can be done to protect animals, such as implementing plant-based options in GLA catering and pushing for animal protection policies in police and military forces. Polanski aims to align GLA funding and procurement policies with ethical values to ensure animal welfare standards are met.