You’ll recall that we’ve previously called for Tim Smith CBE, Non-Executive Chairman of Cranswick plc, to be removed from two government food advisory boards. Since then, following our undercover investigation at Northmoor farm – a site owned by Cranswick – we've announced a private prosecution against the pig giant.

After several years of exposés at their farms and a slaughterhouse, and now a prosecution, what does Keir Starmer decide to do before he bows out? He gave Tim Smith CBE a peerage – with his nomination praising a "distinguished career in the food, agriculture and retail sectors." As a peer in the House of Lords, Smith will now have the power to shape laws, challenge government actions and review national policies.

The timing could not be worse. The pig industry is currently lobbying for a national bailout that could cost taxpayers tens of millions – and it's just gained the upper hand, with someone holding deep vested interests now sitting in one of the highest seats of influence in the country.

Smith may be heading to the House of Lords, but we hold just as much power. We have truth, evidence and hard facts on our side. The pig industry is crumbling, and pigs are suffering in their millions. 

Will you add your name to our petition to remove Tim Smith CBE from the food advisory boards? Almost 15,000 people have already signed.

We often say that it’s a David versus Goliath situation, and it is, but even the smallest of actions can take down a giant.

As always,

For the animals.