A leading Eurosceptic MP claims he is a supporter of animal rights despite voting against a bill because he doesn’t want to be tied to EU law.

On Tuesday, MPs voted to reject the inclusion of a bill that states animals feel pain and emotion, known as animal sentience, into the EU Withdrawal Bill.

MP for Basildon and Billericay, John Baron, opposed the bill, but insisted it was because he feared UK courts could be subject to European law, and not because he does not believe in animal welfare.

The Eurosceptic, who fiercely campaigned for the Brexit vote, insisted the topic will be revisited by central government amid a huge public backlash to the vote.

The Tory politician said: “As a keen supporter of animal rights, I view as one of the many benefits of Brexit that we will regain the ability to improve our animal welfare standards, such as by taking steps to ban live animal exports.

“Moreover, I believe the Government has a good record on animal welfare – in just the last few months Conservatives have decided to ban neonicotinoid pesticides, place CCTV in every abattoir, raise sentences for those guilty of cruelty to animals and ban the ivory trade.

“As regards New Clause 30, I voted against it in part because I was concerned that it could indefinitely subject our courts to the Treaty of Lisbon.

“That goes against the spirit of both the referendum vote and the EU Withdrawal Bill – but I also voted as I did because the Minister responding suggested the Government would return to the issue of animal sentience.

“I did not vote against it because I do not believe in animal welfare – quite the opposite, in fact.”

The vote has led to huge criticism from the public, as well as animal rights activists after Environment Secretary Michael Gove promised to prioritise animal rights during Brexit.

MP for Castle Point, Rebecca Harris, MP for Rochford and Southend East, James Duddridge and Stephen Metcalfe, MP for Basildon South and East Thurrock all voted against the bill.

Avid animal welfare supporter, MP for Southend David Amess, was unable to vote due to his position as joint chairman of the European Union withdrawal bill.