Dean Russell MP was welcomed the passing of the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which will now move to the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent and becoming law. The Bill, which was introduced by Crawley MP Henry Smith, will prevent British hunters bringing home ‘trophies’ of endangered animals.
Animals play an integral role in our ecosystems, genetic diversity and economic support for communities through tourism. However, since the 1980s, an estimated 25,000 slaughtered animals have been brought into the UK.
37% of trophy hunting imports to the UK were derived from elephants, whilst the next largest categories were items from big cats and bears. In July 2022, 167 global conservation and animal protection NGOs jointly called for ban.
Dean said, “I know animal welfare is a priority for the constituents of Watford and I was a strong supporter of my colleague’s Bill. These imports are not trophies, they are a physical representation of the fragile ego of the people who do cruelty to animals.
As I said in the Chamber I am pleased the Bill has been widely supported. Imports of trophy hunting have declined since 2012, however more must be done and I am pleased we are taking action to put a stop to this cruel trade. It was important to me that I made the time to be in the Chamber today specifically to support this Bill."
Henry Smith MP said "The House of Commons passing this legislation today marks an important moment in ensuring that this pledge to support conservation becomes a reality. I’m grateful to the Government for supporting my Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill and I look forward to it now progressing through the House of Lords. On this day, my thoughts are very much with the family and friends of our late colleague, Sir David Amess, who was taken from us far too soon. Sir David was a tireless campaigner for the banning of trophy hunting imports. I hope that he would have been proud of this legislation being passed by the Commons today.”
Legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, who Dean met with in Parliament, and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes are passionate supporters of the Bill.
Ranulph Fiennes said “The vast majority of voters want this so-called ‘sport’ banished to the history books. We need to listen to what voters are saying and do the right thing for wildlife. That is why I applaud Dean Russell MP’s work on this issue. They are doing a great job in putting this issue on the map and speaking up for their constituents as well as for endangered animals.”
Goodall also paid tribute to MPs campaigning for the bill, adding “I have struggled to get into the mind of someone who can behave like this. We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers and yet we have these people, so what is motivating them? How can they feel pride?”
