There has been coverage in The Times today on the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill.
We are supporting the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which will deliver our commitment to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals. This comprehensive ban will cover all species considered to be at risk from the international trade, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, big cats, bears, primates and hippos.
A Defra spokesperson said:
As more species face extinction than ever before, banning the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals will play an important role in protecting some of our most threatened wildlife - this is why the Government is supporting the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill
The public has rightly voiced their concern at the thought of hunters bringing back trophies from endangered animals, and this ban will be one of the toughest in the world and play an important part in helping reverse the decline of wildlife.
We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.
Throughout the policy development process we consulted with a range of key partners, including representatives of foreign governments and local communities in affected areas. We will continue to engage with all affected countries to explain the rationale behind these changes to UK policy and understand if there are any negative impacts
Our policy approach has been informed by our consultation and call for evidence, which demonstrated the strength of the British public's concerns about the import of hunting trophies from endangered and threatened species. We set out our plans in December 2021 in our response to the consultation and call for evidence. Over 85% of responses to our consultation supported further action.
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