Shark Fin Control Bill - Clause 1 - Ban on import and export of detached shark fins

I congratulate my hon. Friend on bringing forward such an amazing Bill. When reading up in advance of this debate, I discovered that European countries are significant players in supplying the shark fin market in Asia, particularly Spain. Does she agree that we should absolutely not countenance that? Concerned about potential loopholes and exploitation rules allowing importation for use.

Listening carefully to my hon. Friend's explanation of the Bill’s explanatory notes, I am aware there is a separate exemption for individuals to import up to 20 kg of dried shark fin to the UK for personal consumption. Wondering whether something more could be done through the passage of the Bill to ensure that the 20 kg comes from using the whole shark.

Mr Henry supported the Bill, emphasising that sharks are often wrongly characterised as aggressive predators of humans. He argued that education is key to changing public perception and reducing demand for shark fins. By banning detached shark fins from being brought into the UK, he believes it will help protect endangered shark species.

Mrs Mortimer congratulated the hon. Member for Neath on her Bill and highlighted Hartlepool's coastal community role in marine conservation. She stressed that disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems through shark finning has dire consequences for biodiversity and ocean health. Mrs Mortimer supported the Bill, arguing it would strengthen the UK’s record on animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Mr Eastwood provided some interesting facts about sharks to illustrate their rarity in attacking humans. He cited the shocking statistic that 100 million sharks are killed annually compared to only four people killed by sharks each year. Mr Eastwood supported the Bill, noting the importance of limiting shark catch and addressing the issue of shark fin trade contributing to endangered species decline.

Expressed his wholehearted support for the Bill, emphasising its importance in addressing the global trade of shark fins. He cited statistics such as 97 million sharks killed annually and a 71% decline since 1970. He highlighted that the Bill closes a loophole to ban detached fins import/export while allowing sustainable landings.

Congratulated the hon. Member for Neath on bringing forward the Bill, emphasising its importance in animal welfare and conservation. She cited over 1,500 emails from her constituency regarding animal welfare issues and noted that it attracted 115,000 signatures on a petition.

Expressed his support for the Bill by mentioning its importance in ending the abhorrent practice of shark finning. He cited statistics showing that around 97 million sharks were killed in 2010 due to finning and stressed that every one of those sharks suffers a cruel fate.

The speaker supports the bill, praising her colleague for bringing it forward. She highlights the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems and the cruelty of shark finning. She cites a report stating that 300 tonnes of shark fins were imported between 2013 and 2017, and that UK is ranked fourth among EU coastal states for shark landings per year. She urges the Minister to tighten the loophole in current legislation allowing personal importation of up to 20 kg of dried shark fins for personal consumption.

The hon. Member supported the Bill, acknowledging its importance in protecting sharks globally and celebrating International Shark Awareness Day. He highlighted that shark finning is a vile act leading to cruel deaths of sharks and emphasised the Government's commitment to banning detached fins trade, demonstrating UK’s leadership in shark conservation.

The hon. Member thanked all hon. Members for their support and mentioned the cross-party backing of the Bill. She noted the importance of protecting animals from extinction, praised interventions that brought humour to the debate, and expressed gratitude towards colleagues who highlighted the need for such legislation.

The hon. Member congratulated Christina Rees on achieving the Second Reading of her Bill, indicating support for the initiative to protect sharks from cruel practices.