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Real Fur Sales
14 September 2021
Lead MP
Christian Wakeford
Bury South
Lab
Responding Minister
Rebecca Pow
Tags
EconomyAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 9358
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Christian Wakeford raised concerns about real fur sales in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Wakeford urged the Government to legislate against importing and selling animal fur and to take action against retailers who mislabel real fur as faux fur. He asked the Minister to use her response to today's debate to reassure that legislative action will be taken soon.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr Wakeford expressed concern about the UK's import and sale of animal fur despite a ban on domestic fur farming. He highlighted that since 2000, England and Wales have banned fur farming, yet more than £800 million of animal fur was imported from 2003 to 2021, equating to over 20 million animals. He also mentioned the cruel conditions in which these animals are kept and the public support for banning fur sales, with over a million signatures on Fur Free Britain's petition.
Pontypridd
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
SNP
Glasgow North East
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.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
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.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
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.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
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?
John Spellar
Lab
Ealing Southall
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.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
East Ayrshire
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?
Lisa Cameron
SNP
Cowdenbeath
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
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
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.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
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
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
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.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
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.
Taiwo Owatemi
Lab
Coventry North West
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.
Tracey Crouch
Con
Somerton and Frome
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.
Government Response
Rebecca Pow
Government Response
The Government recognises the moral concern that some consumers have about whether fur is real and if labels are correct. They received an impressive 30,000 responses from businesses, representative bodies, and individuals in their formal call for evidence on the fur trade. Officials are analysing these responses and engaging directly with stakeholders to improve understanding of the sector. The summary of responses and any next steps in policy will be published at a later date. While not announcing immediate next steps, the Minister emphasised that future policies must be based on robust evidence. The Government is committed to treating animals appropriately and addressing unacceptable practices abroad.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.