During Thursday’s culture, media and sport questions in the Commons, shadow culture minister Louie French said: “At the end of last year, the minister for sports (Stephanie Peacock) stated the importance of greyhound racing to the nation’s culture and economy.

“But last week Labour in Wales announced its intention to ban greyhound racing as soon as practically possible.

“Will the secretary of state tell us who she agrees with, her sports minister or the deputy first minister, and will she make clear if she is planning to ban greyhound racing across the UK?”

Nandy replied: “I can answer his question directly. I agree with the sports minister.

“We have absolutely no plans whatsoever to ban greyhound racing. We appreciate the joy that it brings to many, many people in our country and the economic contribution that it makes.”

The UK government, when asked last week if it was considering a ban in England, declined to comment.

A source told the BBC the GBGB had undertaken a number of welfare reforms, and that officials were monitoring the organisation’s progress.

Banning greyhound racing in England was ruled out by the previous UK Conservative government.