BEN BRADSHAW has retained his position as a Minister at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s ministerial reshuffle following his General Election victory two weeks ago.

Margaret Beckett, who continues as Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, announced the ministerial responsibilities of her newly appointed team on Friday last week (13 May), saying: “The ministerial team and I are looking forward to the important challenges which lie ahead in delivering the priorities set out in DEFRA’s Five Year Strategy.

“And the UK’s forthcoming presidency of the EU offers new opportunities for global leadership on agriculture, climate change and environmental protection.

“With commitment and determination we will continue to work for a better environment and quality of life for everyone.”

Ben Bradshaw retains the title of Parliamentary Secretary (Commons) (Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare).

His portfolio includes:

* Local environmental quality

* Air quality and noise

* Waste

* Lead role on planning, regional and local government issues

* Animal Health and Welfare Strategy (included Over Thirty Month Scheme)

* The Animal Welfare Bill

* State Veterinary Service (SVS), Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)

* Marine issues (including Marine Bill and OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic)

* Fisheries

* Departmental Green Minister

* UK spokesperson at Agriculture Council and Chair of Fisheries part of Council during EU Presidency

The Animal Welfare Bill remains a Government commitment, as can been seen from Mr Bradshaw’s ministerial brief, a draft version of the Bill having been published last year. However, the formal publication of the Bill was not mentioned specifically in the Queen’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament.

It would seem that the AWB will be ‘brought forward’ by the Government when Parliamentary time permits, although possibly not during the forthcoming Parliamentary session.