Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Import and Sale of Fur

27 June 2023 · 6 other contributors · 7,944 words

Opened by Giles Watling Con Clacton

Responding minister: Trudy Harrison

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Giles Watling raised concerns about import and sale of fur in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Giles Watling is concerned about the welfare of animals involved in fur farming overseas and the environmental and health impacts of fur production.
  • Over 30,000 responses were received in a Government call for evidence regarding the fur market, but no summary or policy position has been released yet.
  • Watling asks for progress on the release of a summary of responses and for action to explore measures against importing fur from countries with lower animal welfare standards than the UK.

Key requests to Government

Watling asks for progress on the release of a summary of responses to the Government's call for evidence on the fur market and for action to explore measures against importing fur from countries where animal welfare standards are lower than those in the UK. He also suggests that alternative products should be considered by the Ministry of Defence. The Minister should provide a clear date for introducing an import ban on fur and address the issue if no private Member's Bill aims to ban fur imports.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Giles Watling Con Clacton

Giles Watling is concerned about the welfare of animals involved in fur farming overseas, noting that while fur farming is banned in the UK on ethical grounds, importing farmed fur from abroad continues. He highlights that over 30,000 responses were received in a Government call for evidence regarding the fur market but no summary or policy position has been released yet. Watling also mentions the environmental harm caused by fur production and the significant human health risks associated with zoonotic diseases spread through fur farming. The UK Government has dropped the kept animals Bill and abandoned the animals abroad Bill, raising questions about their commitment to animal welfare. Constituents are deeply concerned about the importation of fur into Britain, which involves outsourcing animal cruelty overseas. The British public is largely opposed to wearing real animal fur, with 93% expressing opposition according to a YouGov poll.

Other contributors (6)
  • Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow North West

    She questioned whether it is time to look for alternatives to the ceremonial hat worn by the King's Guard, which is made from the pelt of Canadian brown bears. Carol Monaghan congratulated Giles Watling on introducing the debate and noted that constituents rarely oppose banning fur imports. She highlighted successful alternatives to animal fur products, emphasizing the cruelty involved in producing items like foie gras and suggested cross-party support for a ban on fur importation. Stressed that private Members' Bills should not be relied upon for necessary changes like banning fur imports; these should be part of the Government's legislative programme.

  • Ian Byrne Lab Heywood and Middleton

    Ian Byrne intervened to discuss the use of fur for ceremonial purposes, such as military fur caps, and suggested that alternative products could be used instead.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Recalling an incident from his school days involving a physics demonstration with a cat skin, he highlighted the emotional impact of such practices on individuals and mentioned receiving messages from constituents on this issue. Jamie Stone emphasized the moral progress on animal rights since his education in the late '60s. He noted the widespread public support for banning fur imports and highlighted the cruel practices involved in the fur trade. He also mentioned his pet cat Hattie and the importance of wildlife conservation.

  • Jonathan Edwards PC Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

    He expressed concerns about the potential impact of fur farms on human health, citing their role as reservoirs for disease. Jonathan Edwards asked if banning fur imports would be a significant statement regarding the UK's commitment to placing animal welfare at the top of its international trade policy post-Brexit.

  • Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East

    She referenced Mike Moser's testimony about the inhumane conditions faced by animals raised for fur farming and suggested that these comments support the argument against humane fur farming. Asked the Minister for a specific date by which the Government will introduce an import ban on fur.

  • Steven Bonnar SNP Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill

    Mr Bonnar highlighted the need for a ban on animal fur imports to uphold high standards of animal welfare. He criticised the shelving of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and cited public support with over 1.1 million signatures collected. Mr Bonnar also questioned the Ministry of Defence's use of bear skin for ceremonial hats, noting that it is a waste of taxpayers' money and there are cruelty-free alternatives available.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship, and I thank all Members for raising awareness about animal welfare. The Government has prioritised animal welfare since 2010 with world-leading standards according to the World Animal Protection International animal protection index. Measures include banning traditional battery cages for laying hens, implementing CCTV in slaughterhouses, and introducing Lucy's law against third-party puppy and kitten sales. Since 2010, we have also introduced the Animal Welfare Sentience Act 2022, made microchipping compulsory for cats, and extended the Ivory Act to cover five more endangered species. We published an action plan in 2021 covering farmed animals, wild animals, pets, and sporting animals, with around 40 different actions being pursued. Regarding fur farming, it has been banned domestically for over 20 years. The import and sale of fur from cats and dogs is prohibited, as are seal products unless under very strict conditions. We have well-established controls on fur from endangered species and non-compliant trapping methods. A formal call for evidence was published in 2021 to explore potential action against the fur trade, receiving around 30,000 responses. Officials continue to analyse these responses and will publish a summary setting out next steps. The Minister of State also notes concerns about biosecurity and disease risks associated with the fur trade and commits to further evidence gathering through the Animal Welfare Committee. This includes considering responsible sourcing in the fur industry and animal welfare standards for imported fur.

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