Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Trophy Hunting Imports Ban: Endangered Species

03 November 2021 · 0 other contributors · 2,698 words

Opened by Pauline Latham Con Mid Derbyshire

Responding minister: Jo Churchill

Environment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Pauline Latham raised concerns about trophy hunting imports ban: endangered species in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Ms Latham is concerned that trophy hunting impacts endangered species negatively, citing examples like Cecil the lion and tuskless elephants.
  • Ms Latham asks the Minister to confirm the introduction of legislation banning trophy hunting imports to demonstrate global conservation leadership.
  • The Minister indicates that a ban on importing hunting trophies from endangered species will be introduced soon, following detailed plans and rationale.

Key requests to Government

Ms Latham asks the Minister to assure the House that legislation banning trophy hunting imports will be imminent, demonstrating global leadership in conservation. She also requests clarification on why the Animals Abroad Bill has not been brought forward and urges the Government to push for stronger commitments on animal welfare and conservation.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Pauline Latham Con Mid Derbyshire

Ms Latham is concerned about the impact of trophy hunting on endangered species, stating that it damages conservation efforts and threatens populations of animals such as African lions. She mentions specific examples like Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe where hunting moratoriums led to increased survival rates for lions, and the Addo elephant national park where 98% of female elephants are tuskless due to trophy hunting practices.

Government Response

Jo Churchill

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Sharma. The Government will introduce a comprehensive ban on importing hunting trophies from endangered species soon after setting out detailed plans and rationale for action in response to the manifesto commitment. Over £46 million has been invested internationally over the period of 2014 to 2022 through the illegal wildlife trade challenge fund, which aims to tackle illegal trade in wildlife and support poverty reduction in developing countries. The Environment Bill will ensure a new domestic framework for environmental governance with a legally binding target to halt species decline by 2030. Further legislation will strengthen animal welfare and conservation reforms during this parliamentary session as soon as time allows.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy