Andrew Western, the MP for Stretford and Urmston, has backed the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill to protect animal welfare.
The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill is a Private Member’s Bill. It will ban body part ‘trophies’ of endangered and vulnerable animals from being bought into Great Britain.
Trophy hunting is legal if it complies with a country’s existing hunting legislation – including ensuring all proper permits have been obtained – which may include permission to hunt endangered species. It is not the same as poaching, which is the illegal hunting or capture of wild animals.
The provisions in the Bill would ban the import of hunting trophies into Great Britain from species listed by the Government in regulations. The ban would apply to any animals hunted after the time the legislation comes into force, which would be set out in regulations by the Secretary of State.
Andrew Western said: “I was delighted to back the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill in the House of Commons. This is an important piece of legislation that supports conservation and animal welfare.
“I know that many Stretford and Urmston residents back the Bill – many of you have written to me urging me to support it.
“Our country does not want to be part of a trade in the body parts of endangered species and the House of Commons has sent this message loud and clear.”
The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill will now go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. Andrew will keep his constituents updated on its progress.