Real Fur Sales

The hon. Member mentioned that 72% of people want a ban on the UK fur industry, but in Wales, it is 82%. The Minister should work with all nations and devolved Administrations to tackle this issue. The MP questioned the Minister about measures to counteract the mislabelling of real fur as faux fur, as it is cheaper for retailers and consumers who think they are buying synthetic products.

Allan Dorans highlighted the historical concern for animal welfare, referencing Rabbie Burns's poems and modern scientific evidence of animal sentience. He urged a wide range of actions including an end to lab testing with animals and fur trade, emphasizing that over 2,500 studies prove animal sentience.

Could it not be a condition that we do not wish to do trade deals with countries that continue to exploit animals in this way? Emma Hardy highlighted the UK's high animal welfare standards but stressed that fur products are often incorrectly labelled. She urged the Minister to maintain animal welfare standards in trade deals and encouraged clear labelling of synthetic alternatives.

The hon. Gentleman is making an excellent speech. As well as being cruel, it is utterly illogical that Britain continues to allow the products of cruel fur farming to be imported into the country.

Does he agree that when we set the standard by banning fur farming here in the UK, other countries followed our lead and we should take the lead again?

From his representations to Ministers, has the hon. Gentleman had any indication as to the reasons for their reluctance to do something that would be popular with the public? John Spellar questioned why the Government was reluctant to take a popular measure such as banning real fur sales given public and parliamentary support.

Does he agree that perhaps the public neither know nor wish to be purchasing real fur, and if the Government took steps to prevent that from happening, the public would be very grateful?

Does he agree that there is also a public health interest in making sure this happens, especially given the outbreaks of covid-19 on more than 400 mink farms in 12 countries?

Does he agree that the health risk presented by the fur trade needs to be better publicised so that consumers may make more informed decisions? Margaret Ferrier asked Patricia Gibson if there was a need for regulation or an outright ban on fur sales, given that major retailers were already moving away from selling fur products.

Martyn Day supported banning fur imports due to the cruelty in fur farming and importation practices. He noted that the equivalent of fur from around two million animals is imported annually, with horrific conditions including leghold traps and cage confinements.

The MP praised the ban on fur farming introduced by a Labour Government and noted that countries across Europe have since followed suit. She highlighted the ongoing trade of tens of millions of pounds of fur products each year, despite public opposition. Olivia raised concerns about the ethical sourcing schemes which fall short in ensuring animal welfare.

Patricia Gibson argued against the hypocrisy of banning fur farming but not imports. She noted declining demand for fur products in the UK and urged the Government to ban their importation, citing cross-party support.

We agree there is no justification whatsoever for using real fur because so many good synthetic alternatives are available. The MP reinforced the call to ban real fur imports, citing his past experience witnessing seal hunting and emphasizing that synthetic alternatives are superior. He noted that many consumers are unaware they are buying products with real fur trim.

The UK imports £75 million-worth of fur each year despite banning the farming of animals for fur since 2003. Slaughter methods used on fur farms are cruel and dangerous viruses thrive in such conditions. The ban on real fur sale is long overdue, and the Government cannot be trusted on animal welfare.

The MP introduced a Bill to ban the sale of fur and expressed disappointment at the continuation of fur sales in Britain. She highlighted that 72% of the British public support a complete ban on fur, with only 3% regularly wearing animal fur.

I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend not just for securing this debate but for being kind enough to mention the early-day motion in my name, which is currently live and has been signed by the highest number of MPs in this Session. The MP pressed the Minister to ban the import of fur and to engage with the British fashion industry to lead on this issue globally. She cited a poll showing that 93% of the British population oppose wearing fur.