BARNEY THE LOBSTER

Early day motion 278, tabled 22 October 2001 by Lord Stratford (Labour). Signed by 20 members.

That this House commends Mr William Cooper, Head Chef at the Kaspia restaurant in London for sparing the life of 'Barney', a 60 year old lobster; points out that lobsters have evolved over 100 million years, carry their young for nine months, can live to be 100 years old and enjoy social relationships; draws attention to the fact lobsters have a sophisticated nervous system that implies they will sense hurt when tossed into boiling water; and calls upon restaurants and others to kill the creatures humanely before cooking them.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1.