ANIMAL fat being used in the new £5 notes removes a person’s right to liberty, according to a Bromsgrove councillor and animal rights activist.

The Bank of England sparked controversy after confirming that traces of tallow, which is an animal waste derivative, are being used in the new plastic polymer notes.

More than 130,000 people have signed a petition to have it removed and Rock Hill Councillor Michael Thompson has seconded their concerns.

The Chairman of Bromsgrove Labour Party said: "Personally I disapprove of the use of this product.

"As a vegan I already go to a great deal of trouble to ensure that I do not use any animal product or by-product.

"The £5 note therefore makes this very difficult - if not impossible.

"Fundamentally, I think the decision to include the animal by-product is wrong, not necessarily through animal rights, but more through choice.

"I accept that everybody makes their own decisions on how much or how little they want to involve themselves with animal products.

"The product in the £5 removes that choice and, consequently, removes that liberty."

Bromsgrove Labour Party became a member of the Labour Animal Welfare Society in November, but does not have a policy which forbids the use of animal products.