Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill - Second Reading of the Bill

22 March 2024 · 27 other contributors

Opened by John Spellar Lab Bebington

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

John Spellar raised concerns about hunting trophies (prohibition) bill - second reading of the bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • John Spellar is advocating for the Second Reading of the Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill.
  • The bill seeks to prohibit the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals.
  • Public support for the bill is reported to be around 86%.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

John Spellar Lab Bebington

The lead MP, John Spellar, is advocating for the Second Reading of the Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill. He emphasises the need to prohibit importing hunting trophies from endangered animals, highlighting that it has been supported by a vast majority in previous debates and enjoys broad public support at around 86%. The bill aims to send a strong message to other countries about the immorality of trophy hunting and promote sustainable wildlife tourism instead.

Other contributors (27)
  • John Spellar Lab Bebington

    He supports the bill, arguing that it has overwhelming public support and should be expedited through both Houses of Parliament. He also emphasises the cross-party nature of the legislation, referencing its bipartisan origins in the previous session.

  • Therese Coffey Con Suffolk Coastal

    Intervened to acknowledge the bill's consensus last year and supports its reintroduction. She highlights the broad public support for the measure and the need for swift progress.

  • Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

    Emphasises the strong public support for ending trophy hunting, citing constituents who have contacted him about it. He supports expediting the bill through both Houses.

  • Kim Leadbeater Lab Spen Valley

    Argues that the bill will prevent the importation of hunting trophies and send a powerful message to other countries about the immorality of trophy hunting. She highlights public demand for such measures.

  • Lilian Greenwood Lab Nottingham South

    Congratulates the bill's introduction and supports it, emphasising that it is humane legislation supported by campaigners in many countries, including Africa. She argues for its swift passage.

  • Supports the bill and proposes a practical offer to Members of the House of Lords who might oppose it, suggesting an alternative method of wildlife photography instead of trophy hunting.

  • Theresa Villiers Con Chipping Barnet

    Supports the bill and mentions that many constituents in her area want this legislation to proceed, highlighting public demand for ending trophy hunting.

  • Peter Dowd Lab Bootle

    Agrees with John Spellar's point that the bill is not partisan but humane and compassionate legislation. He cites Lord Mancroft's statement about socialist legislation as an odd stance for a Conservative government.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    Supports the bill, arguing that trophy hunting is not conservation and highlights the brutality of killing endangered animals for trophies. She cites promising figures on tiger populations as evidence against claims that trophy hunting supports conservation.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Argues that trophy hunting is inhumane and does not provide the scientific basis for culling necessary species. He supports the bill as a humane measure.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham

    Supports the bill, citing the negative impact of trophy hunting on gene pools and conservation efforts. He emphasises that taking out the strongest animals weakens the species.

  • Supports the bill due to public demand and the non-partisan nature of the issue. He mentions his work with FOUR PAWS in advocating against trophy hunting.

  • Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington

    Congratulates John Spellar on bringing forward the bill and emphasises public support, citing a survey indicating that nine out of ten British people support the ban. He argues for swift passage through Parliament.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Asked about Clause 4 of the Bill, showing interest in understanding its implications but not explicitly stating a position on the overall bill.

  • Henry Smith Con Epsom and Ewell

    Supports the Bill for its aim to prohibit trophy hunting imports into Great Britain. Cites support from various African countries and dismisses claims of racism or interference in other nations' policies.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Questioned whether the Bill would impact Botswana's President Masisi, who views western interventions as racist. Implies that the Bill could be perceived negatively in Africa.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham

    Affirms that the Bill only addresses imports to the UK, not practices in other countries. Supports the legislation for its focus on what the UK chooses to import.

  • Dean Russell Con Watford

    Reiterates support for the Bill and emphasises that it is about ending the importation of trophies, not regulating practices in other countries. Urges fellow Members to support the legislation.

  • Rosie Duffield Ind Canterbury

    Describes trophy hunting as an evil practice and argues that it is unjustifiable from both animal welfare and conservation perspectives. Cites support for the Bill from celebrities, activists, and constituents.

  • Bill Wiggin Con South Herefordshire

    The amendment aims to protect certain species while respecting other countries' management of wildlife. Mr Wiggin criticises the Bill's impact on African conservation, citing concerns from African leaders about neo-colonialism and disrespecting local expertise.

  • Peter Dowd Lab Bootle

    Mr Dowd argues that the House has a right to decide against importing hunting trophies, regardless of selective facts. He asserts that enacting legislation banning such imports will not significantly impact African countries.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst

    Honoured the hon. Member for North Herefordshire, but disagreed with his stance; cited David Attenborough's views on trophy hunting; shared personal experience of seeing wildlife in Africa without harming them; emphasised the economic benefits of ecotourism over trophy hunting.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Disagreed with Clive Efford's approach, stating it was prejudiced and unhelpful; argued that amendments proposed by his colleagues in the House of Lords were reasonable but ran out of time for discussion.

  • Bill Wiggin Con North Herefordshire

    Argued against trophy hunting legislation, emphasising the need to ensure no racial undertones in the debate; supported the amendments proposed by his colleagues.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Criticised the Government for not delivering on their manifesto promise to ban trophy hunting; highlighted public support for the Bill; questioned why a Labour peer did not sponsor the previous bill in the House of Lords.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Mr. Chope interjected with an objection during Rebecca Pow's speech, indicating his opposition to the Bill.

  • Bill Wiggin Con North Herefordshire

    Mr. Wiggin verbally objected when the Speaker attempted to proceed with putting the Question, demonstrating his strong opposition to the bill.

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