Protection of seals

That this House expresses its sadness after the tragic loss, post dog attack, of River Thames' resident Freddie the seal; believes that seals in rivers deserve the same protections as those for deer in Richmond Park; notes that the seal population in the River Thames is as many as 4000 and expected to rise further upon competition of the Thames Tideway in 2024; and urges the Government to urgently assess the need for legislation to protect seals and encourage a peaceful co-existence between man and wildlife