Joanna Lumley at launch

TV star launches Compassion in World Farming’s national campaign

Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley has launched a new campaign calling on long distance live animal exports to end - with Ramsgate the only UK port still involved in the practice.

The actress helped launch Compassion in World Farming’s 2012 push against the trade in Trafalgar Square, unveiling the charity’s nationl bus adveritsing campaign.

According to figures obtained by Compassion in World Farming, 2011 saw a resurgence in sheep and calf exports from Britain to the continent with the figures triple that of 2010. Compassion estimates the total number of farm animals exported live in 2011 at more than 80,000.

According to Freedom of Information responses from Defra, the only port used for exports to the continent as from May last year was Ramsgate and Compassion is calling on the authorities there to raise the price they charge. Thanet Council says it is opposed to the trade, but has no legal powers to stop it.

Ms Lumley said: “The numbers involved in live exports is shocking. We need to act on this ghastly trade now. 2012 is an auspicious year. This is the year for change.

“We ask farmers to please find alternatives and we need to make it more lucrative for them to slaughter their animals closer to home. Ask your MEP to enforce an eight hour limit and stop and think about your food and where it comes from. I urge you all to take more responsibility.”