MP calls for debate as Street Paws campaign to keep homeless people with their pets reaches House of Commons

A campaign to ensure no one is forced to choose between a roof over their head and their beloved pet has been raised in the House of Commons, as MPs called on the Government to expand pet-friendly homelessness provision across the country.

During questions today, Ian Lavery, MP for Blyth and Ashington, urged ministers to back the Street Paws No One Left Outside campaign, highlighting the impossible choices faced by many people experiencing homelessness.

He told the Commons: "People experiencing homelessness are being forced to choose between access and accommodation, keeping the pets that provide them with companionship, emotional support, stability and a sense of safety.

"Street Paws is leading a campaign to remove this preventive barrier. Pet-inclusive approaches have also been introduced successfully in a number of areas including Greater Manchester, demonstrating that such policies can be implemented safely and effectively.

"Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the need to expand the support and ensure that no one is denied accommodation simply because they refuse to abandon a beloved pet?"

Responding on behalf of the Government, Sir Alan Campbell acknowledged the importance of the issue and said ministers would be made aware of the concerns.

He replied: "My Honourable Friend raises a very important point indeed which I know is of concern to many of our constituents.

"The Homelessness Code of Guidance sets out the framework in which local authorities must follow carrying out their homelessness duties.

"It's not always possible but the Secretary of State does recommend that authorities give careful consideration to those who rely on pets for companionship when making provision for them. I'll make sure that ministers have heard my honourable friend's concerns and if they've got further proposals to bring forward I'm sure they will."

The exchange marks another significant moment for the No One Left Outside campaign, led by the charity Street Paws, which is calling for all emergency, temporary and supported accommodation providers to become pet-inclusive wherever it is safe and practical to do so.

Campaigners argue that, for many people experiencing homelessness, a dog or other companion animal is far more than a pet. They provide emotional support, protection, routine and unconditional companionship. Yet many hostels and temporary accommodation providers still refuse animals, forcing vulnerable people to decide between accepting accommodation or staying on the streets with the companion they love.

The campaign has gained support from MPs across the political spectrum, as well as homelessness organisations, veterinary professionals and animal welfare groups. Pet-inclusive accommodation schemes operating in parts of the country, including Greater Manchester, have demonstrated that such policies can work successfully with appropriate planning and support.

Michelle Southern OBE, founder of Street Paws, welcomed the intervention in Parliament.

She said: "We are incredibly grateful to Ian Lavery MP for raising this issue in the House of Commons. Nobody should ever have to choose between safety and the animal who has stood by them through their darkest moments.

"For people experiencing homelessness, pets are often their only family. They provide love, stability, comfort and hope, and can be the very reason someone keeps going. The No One Left Outside campaign is about ensuring that compassion extends to both ends of the lead.

"We know pet-inclusive accommodation works because it is already being delivered successfully in parts of the UK. We are calling on the Government and accommodation providers to build on that progress so that no one is denied the chance of a safe place to stay simply because they refuse to abandon a beloved companion."

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