ANIMAL rights campaigner and Derby North MP Chris Williamson is to put pressure on the Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

Mr Williamson led a campaign which resulted in a ban on circuses using performing animals while on council land in Derby almost 20 years ago.

Now he is backing the Animal Defenders International's campaign to stop them being used nationally.

He is worried the Government's desire to reduce red tape and regulation prevents a ban being brought in.

Mr Williamson said: "A recent Yougov poll revealed an overwhelming 72% of the public backs a ban on wild animals in circuses.

"There is a groundswell of support for this ban, so the Government has to sit up and listen and should take action now. We have a moral duty to protect animals from the harm they often suffer at the hands of circus trainers and keepers."