Karen Bradley: In this week's column on Nub News, the Moorlands MP has praised the introduction of a new animal welfare bill giving tougher sentences to animal abusers.

Last Thursday the Speaker officially announced the prorogation of Parliament which marks the end of a Parliamentary session.

It is the formal name given to the period between the end of a session of Parliament and the State Opening of Parliament that begins the next session.

This means that Parliament will not sit now until the Queen's Speech on 11th May which is then followed by various days of debate.

However, my work as your MP continues even when Parliament isn't sitting and on Friday I had calls with senior health officials and the vaccine rollout team as well as chairing a virtual meeting with the Advanced Proteins (formerly John Pointon & Sons) liaison group.

This liaison group meets every few months and is made up of local MPs, residents, Councillors, representatives from the Environment Agency and representatives from Advanced Proteins.

I also took part in many All Party Parliamentary Group meetings last week including the introductory meeting for the new Weddings APPG.

I know that local wedding event businesses will also be pleased that we now have a dedicated Weddings Minister.

Finally I am delighted that The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has become law and know that the many local residents who have written to me will see this as a huge step forward for animal welfare.

The Bill completed all its stages in the Houses of Parliament and has now received Royal Assent meaning animal abusers convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 could face up to five years in prison.

The Bill, also known as Finn's Law (Part 2), was spearheaded by PC Dave Wardell after his police dog, Finn, nearly died after being stabbed by a violent criminal.

I met Finn and his owner PC Dave Wardle in Parliament and have been a firm supporter of their campaign.

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