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Hunting Trophies Import Prohibition Bill - Clause 2 and Amendments
17 March 2023
Lead MP
Bill Wiggin
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
TaxationNorthern IrelandBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 32
At a Glance
Bill Wiggin raised concerns about hunting trophies import prohibition bill - clause 2 and amendments 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 hon. Member for Christchurch, Bill Wiggin, moved that clause 2 be read a second time, introducing several amendments aimed at tightening the regulations on importing hunting trophies from endangered species and non-compliant countries. He proposed new clauses to establish reporting requirements for monitoring the Act's impact on conservation efforts in Northern Ireland and abroad, as well as an advisory board to provide expert advice on matters related to trophy imports.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
The Speaker reminded Members of the differences between Report and Third Reading stages, emphasising that Report stage debate is limited to selected amendments. He also mentioned the hon. Member for Christchurch's responsibility in moving the Bill through as quickly as possible.
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Proposes new clauses for assessing the effectiveness of the Bill, ensuring it does not undermine conservation efforts. Argues that expert advice should be incorporated into the process to maintain positive consultation with affected countries and communities.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Asked about the percentage of wildlife protection budgets funded by trophy hunting.
Christchurch
Confirmed that revenue from trophy hunting contributes 25% to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Jane Stevenson
Con
Taunton Deane
Suggested that statistics used in the debate may be biased, advocating for a more balanced approach.
Anthony Browne
Con
Kings Hill
Agreed with protecting endangered wildlife but disagreed on the method of trophy hunting for funding conservation efforts.
Andrew Western
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Clarified that the Bill is about banning imports, not imposing a ban on trophy hunting in other countries.
Patrick Grady
SNP
North Glasgow
Questioned the hon. Gentleman's argument and emphasised constituents' concerns about trophy hunting imports to the UK.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Supports new clause 4 and amendment 1. Acknowledges the need for an advisory board to ensure best conservation practices and opposes the idea of Northern Ireland becoming a back door for trophy importation.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
[INTERVENTION] Raised concerns about Northern Ireland potentially becoming a back door for the importation of trophies from endangered species into Great Britain through EU law applying in Northern Ireland.
Christchurch
Supports new clause 4 as it facilitates expert opinions and addresses scientific concerns. Emphasised the need to ban trophy imports from endangered animals in line with Conservative manifesto commitment, highlighting that the Bill’s current scope does not cover Northern Ireland.
Supports new clause 4 and amendment 1. Acknowledges the need for expert advice due to credible and variable discussions, especially regarding money from trophy hunting supporting conservation efforts.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Argues for the values of Britain not wanting to participate in trade involving body parts of endangered species. Emphasises that it is a manifesto commitment and highlights public support.
Mike Penning
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Supports the Bill, clarifies it is about British territorial rules and not colonial intervention. Indicates no need for division on Third Reading.
Greg Knight
Con
East Yorkshire
Asks if there will be a Division, mentions the Bill has been improved with amendments and hopes it passes without opposition.
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Confirms no need for division and expresses gratitude towards the Government for their help in improving the Bill.
Christina Rees
Lab
Neath
Commemorates Eduardo Goncalves for founding the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting and highlights public support in her constituency.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Confirms that heads on walls and rugs already present are unaffected by this Bill, expressing distaste for such trophies but supports the legislation.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Supports the Bill but highlights a concern that it does not apply to Northern Ireland due to EU regulations, fearing it could become a backdoor for trophy hunters.
Anthony Browne
Con
Kinglybridge
Strongly supports the Bill and argues that conservation should not rely on allowing rich individuals to hunt endangered species. Calls for proper funding of conservation efforts.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen
Urges support for the Bill, criticising lobby groups' misinformation and colonial-era practices. Stresses public opinion against trophy imports.
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Mr Wiggin opposes the amendment due to concerns it undermines African-led conservation efforts, arguing that ethical hunting supports habitat and wildlife connectivity in vast transfrontier conservation areas. He emphasises the need for consultation with African nations rather than imposing restrictions without their input.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Mr Francois supports the Bill in memory of Sir David Amess, advocating that trophy hunting is unethical and detrimental to wildlife conservation. He highlights the need for legislation reflecting public opinion against such practices.
Anna Firth
Con
Southend West
Ms Firth supports the Bill, honouring Sir David Amess's legacy and advocating that trophy hunting has no place in modern Britain. She argues for the intrinsic value of wildlife over mere trophies.
Dean Russell
Con
Watford
Mr Russell briefly supports the Bill, appreciating the outpouring of support from hon. Members and the public. He thanks everyone for their contributions to protect endangered species.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Supports the Bill due to its alignment with Labour's manifesto commitment. Emphasises the cruelty of trophy hunting, citing examples such as Cecil the lion and British hunters who shoot tame lions for trophies. Raises concerns about Safari Club International’s disinformation campaign and highlights support from Africans against trophy hunting. Cites successful bans in Botswana and Kenya that benefit wildlife and local communities economically.
John Spellar
INTERVENTION
Welcomes the Bill’s passage but raises concerns about potential delays in the House of Lords. Seeks assurances from the Minister that the Government will ensure the Bill progresses without undue delay.
Trudy Harrison
Con
Copeland
She thanked Members who contributed to the debate, especially mentioning the former Member for Southend West. She expressed support for the Bill and acknowledged concerns raised by the right hon. Member for Warley about its passage through the House of Lords but noted that a compromise was reached with new clause 4 which sets up an advisory board to the Government. Trudy Harrison outlined government funding initiatives such as £90 million for the Darwin initiative, £30 million for illegal wildlife trade action and the £100 million biodiverse landscapes fund. She emphasised the need for change regarding trophy hunting despite its controversial nature and noted that over 85% of respondents to a consultation favoured the ban. She assured Northern Ireland would not become a backdoor for imports from endangered species, referencing the Windsor framework.
John Spellar
Lab
Warley
He intervened asking if the Government could send a clear message to ensure sufficient parliamentary time in the House of Lords for the Bill’s progress. He acknowledged that cross-party support exists and expressed hope for the Bill's swift passage.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
He intervened to emphasise that there is now nothing in clause 2 for peers to object to following a reduction of regulation-making powers. He argued this should facilitate faster progress through the House of Lords.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
He intervened twice, expressing concern that Northern Ireland could become a backdoor for trophy imports due to exemptions under the Northern Ireland protocol and Windsor framework. He requested assurance that the Government would take action to prevent such imports into Northern Ireland.
Christchurch
He intervened noting the Netherlands had imposed a complete ban on trophy imports despite being within the EU, questioning why similar action could not be taken in respect of Northern Ireland.
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