MPs have called on Defra Minister David Heath to make a statement before the commons after another incident involving Ramsgate Port and the live export trade, which the port services. Ramsgate in Kent is the only port from which live animal exports leave the UK.

On Wednesday (21st November) morning, a ship loaded with around 700 sheep set sail for France, but was forced to return to port in England in the afternoon. The ship returned to Ramsgate when conditions worsened on the Channel, spending over 5 hours at sea.

The RSPCA, which monitors the controversial trade form Ramsgate, and has campaigned for its abolition, said the voyage went ahead despite warnings of force 10 winds on the Channel.

The charity complained that its officers were denied permission to inspect the shipment of sheep. However, AHVLA, the government's animal health agency, said its officers inspected the ship, MV Jolie, prior to departure and on its return to Ramsgate, and that they were “satisfied” there were no welfare issues.

RSPCA said on Thursday, "Shipping forecasts for yesterday afternoon issued severe storm force 10 gale warnings and the state of the sea was described as rough or very rough." Chief executive Gavin Grant commented, "It is barbaric that animals are at sea on open decks in these appalling weather conditions. This ship is designed to work in rivers, not in the open sea. We are lodging a complaint with the appropriate authorities and expect a full investigation into why this ship was allowed to sail - in clear breach of the restrictions which state that it cannot sail in such winds and wave heights."

Sparked by heavy criticism of the incident by local MP Sir Roger Gale, Commons leader Andrew Lansley said he would ask Defra to update MPs on the debacle.

Live exports were briefly banned from Ramsgate earlier this year, following the intensification of local opposition to the trade, including pressure from local councillors and MPs; this came to a head after an incident in which 47 sheep died in September. Exporters and their supporters in the NFU have said a ban would violate European Union trade regulations.

The local council said the live export trade from Ramsgate should be stopped until suitable facilities are built at the port. The council added in September that construction of such facilities is not amongst its top spending priorities.

However, A High Court judge, Mr Justice Burton, ruled that the port should reopen pending a judicial review of the council’s decision to close it. The judicial review is expected to start at the beginning of December.

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