17 June 2023

BAN ON HUNTING TROPHIES A STEP NEARER

The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 16th June, and will now progress to a Committee of the Whole House.

The Private Members Bill, which was first introduced in the House of Commons last year by MP Henry Smith, would ban the import to Britain of hunting trophies from threatened species that are protected under UK and international wildlife trade regulations, fulfilling a government commitment and reflecting the overwhelming view of the British public.

Responding to the outcome, Born Free’s Head of Policy Dr Mark Jones said: “We very much welcome the fact that the Hunting Trophies Bill passed its Second Reading in the Lords. However, several Members spoke against the Bill using the well-rehearsed arguments that have been circulated by hunting proponents. The next stage of the Bill, the Committee stage, will be critical, and we will be working hard to try to ensure the Bill secures the support of the House of Lords in its current form, reflecting the overwhelming endorsement it received in the House of Commons and the huge level of public support for a trophy import ban.”

You can find details of Born Free’s position on trophy hunting at www.bornfree.org.uk/trophy-hunting-position.