Attempting to claw back public favour after a year marred by political scandal and policy reversals, the UK government has announced a slew of animal welfare reforms over the Christmas period. Perhaps Keir Starmer hoped that the spirit of festive generosity would extend to his failing regime, and that a handful of cuddly headlines about puppies and wildlife might soften the mood and buy some goodwill.
It is the easiest political sell imaginable. Nobody writes angry letters demanding worse treatment for animals, and Labour is banking on the fact that its city dwelling core voters do not know enough about farming to recognise the lame duck being laid before them.
