A WIRRAL MP has launched a broadside against the Government after a parliamentary bid to ban wild animals in circuses failed to get a hearing.

It is the TENTH time the private member’s bill to bring in the promised ban has been “talked out” of the House of Commons by Conservative MPs.

Opposition to the use of wild animals in circuses appears overwhelming, with support for the ban uniting Parliament and public alike.

Ninety-four per cent of those who responded to a Government consultation on the subject wanted a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

Wallasey MP and shadow Leader of the House Angela Eagle is urging Prime Minister David Cameron to keep his word and progress the law.

Ms Eagle had attempted to clear the way for legislation by asking Leader of the House William Hague if the Government would give the Circus Bill time for a second reading.

He responded: “I certainly support that bill and the Government supports that bill.

“I think it would be wrong for the Government to pick bills out of the Private Members’ process and give them Government time...the bill will have to take it’s normal chances.”

And although it was earmarked for debate on Friday, parliament once again failed to give it a hearing.

Ms Eagle told the Globe: “What a wasted opportunity.

“It's difficult to understand why the Conservatives persist in doing this, especially as David Cameron has made it clear he wants it to become law.

"We know it is a hugely important issue locally, as evidenced when Jolly’s Circus set up on privately-owned land in Wirral last summer.

“There was an outcry, and those views echo the feeling across the country.”

She said that, technically, there is one further chance for the bill when it comes up before the House of Commons again on February 27.

“But unless Government time is allocated, it has virtually no chance of becoming law," added Ms Eagle.

When the bill was again talked out last December, the RSPCA said: “We believe that the Government has gone back on its word and has turned its back on wild animals in the circus.

"It seems it no longer intends to deliver on their promise of a ban – which is the only way to truly safeguard the welfare of wild animals.”

Animal Defenders International president Jan Creamer said: “The Government made a clear promise to act on this issue yet three years on we are still waiting for the law to pass.

"The public and parliament do not want to see wild animals continuing to suffer in British circuses.

"David Cameron must keep his word and bring in the ban without delay."

Peter Jolly's circus with lions and tigers pitched up in a field in Saughall Massey last July, sparking protests.

The circus said the animals were not wild but bred within the industry, and extended its planned stay "due to public demand."