Jim Fitzpatrick has called for a ban on wild animals in circuses.

The MP for Poplar and Limehouse tabled an early day motion to take urgent action after little progress was made since a bill was drafted last year.

The motion won support from representatives of different parties, with 20 MPs signing it.

He said: “It has now been almost three years since Parliament voted unanimously for a ban.

“The Government should do what it promised and include the bill in the Queen’s Speech so we can get on and end this outdated practice before the general election.”

In June 2011, the Government pledged a ban following a unanimous vote in a backbench business committee debate, which was sparked by revelations of violence towards a circus elephant.

Only two circuses still perform with wild animals in Britain, and there are restrictions on the use of animals in 200 local authorities in the UK and 27 countries worldwide.