House of Commons · Westminster Hall
11 July 2022 · 5 other contributors · 7,754 words
Opened by Martyn Day SNP Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Responding minister: Jeremy Quin
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Martyn Day raised concerns about bearskin hats: queen's guards in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Martyn Day urges the Government to meet representatives from PETA to progress this matter and work towards creating a suitable faux fur alternative for ceremonial caps, thereby ending their involvement with trophy hunting practices.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The petition calls for real bearskin hats used by the Queen's Guard caps to be replaced with faux fur alternatives, having gathered over 106,000 signatures. Martyn Day argues that using animal products for ceremonial headgear is unethical and unnecessary given strong public opposition and available alternatives. He highlights that at least one bear is killed per cap, emphasizing the cruelty involved in producing these hats.
Suggested that the MOD should provide specific criteria for the materials needed for a faux fur bearskin to offer a cruelty-free solution. I am concerned about the continued use of real bear fur for the Queen's Guard caps, as it involves cruelty towards bears. Ninety-five per cent of British people object to killing animals for fur and taxpayers are unwittingly funding this practice through taxes. The Ministry of Defence should consider a cruelty-free alternative material that has been developed which meets all criteria and is cost-effective. Asked the Minister to explain what steps the Ministry has taken to explore alternatives to bearskin.
Inquired if the Government would be willing to switch to a sustainable and viable alternative product, subject to costs and other considerations.
Mr Nicolson questioned the Ministry of Defence's justification for continuing to use real bear fur in soldiers' hats, arguing that synthetic alternatives exist. He highlighted a freedom of information request by PETA which revealed no evidence supporting the MOD's claim that bears would be killed anyway as part of a regulated cull. Mr Nicolson also mentioned a faux fur product called ECOPEL that meets rigorous standards and lasts longer than real animal fur without costing the public purse, challenging the MOD to prove otherwise. Suggested that manufacturers should present their hats for analysis at a meeting with the Minister and provided feedback on any failures.
The use of real bearskin in ceremonial caps is outdated, costly and unnecessary. The MOD's argument that the material performs well across five requirements does not hold since an alternative material, ECOPEL, performed satisfactorily in only one category. Morally, it is wrong to continue using real bear skins given the cruelty involved in obtaining them through Canadian culls. Confirmed PETA representatives are ready to meet the Minister, offering prototype hats and samples of faux fur for analysis.
Supported the tradition of ceremonial caps but highlighted concerns over the use of bear skins, noting that one bearskin cap costs over £1,700 and that alternatives have not been fully assessed. Called for a transparent review of all fake fur options against defined criteria.
Government Response
Jeremy QuinThe MOD has not seen the faux fur material for bearskin hats, making it difficult to confirm its effectiveness under various conditions. Where sustainable alternatives exist, such as in busby caps of the Royal Horse Artillery, they have been used. I provided the latest research on Canadian black bear populations, estimating around 434,400 bears in 2017 with a human-induced mortality rate of 5% to 6%. In the last financial year, only 31 bearskins were bought by the Ministry of Defence. I acknowledged that there is a point of principle regarding cruelty towards animals but noted that the numbers suggest no appreciable impact on bear populations from MOD orders. Mr Quin stated that while the Army is not wedded to the material used in bearskin caps, they are committed to this iconic symbol of the British Army. He detailed the extensive testing process for faux fur alternatives since 2007, noting that no viable synthetic substitute has yet been found that meets all required criteria such as water resistance and appearance when wet. Mr Quin emphasized that if a suitable alternative is provided and proven effective, it will be seriously considered based on affordability, sustainability, and other factors. He assured the House that these matters would continue to be reviewed.