← Back to House of Commons Debates
Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill - Second Reading of the Bill
22 March 2024
Lead MP
John Spellar
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Culture, Media & SportChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 27
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.