MPs from across the political spectrum have come together in a show of support for John Spellar’s Private Members Bill (PMB), which will ban hunting trophies from entering Great Britain. At a drop in event, MPs committed to support the Bill and ensure it progresses through Parliament.

The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill will have its Second Reading on the 22^nd March, where it is hoped it will pass uncontested, and head into Committee Stage. Previous attempts to secure this legislation have been met with resistance from a small group of pro-hunting Peers, who have collaborated to use wrecking processes in the House of Lords.

This time, there is increased determination among MPs to prevent the Bill being timed out or derailed and to see this important legislation become law without delay. There is a new sense of urgency, too, as we edge closer to an election; the need to wrap this legislation up before a new parliamentary session must not be forgotten. With more than 80% of the British public supporting a ban on trophy hunting imports, the Government cannot afford to abandon its manifesto commitment to get the ban done.

Official figures show the range of animals that are shipped home as trophies by British hunters to hang on their walls. Magnificent lions, elephants, leopards and bears have all fallen victim to British hunter’s shotguns. Even small vervet monkeys, shy African civet cats as well as wild goats and sheep are considered fair game by trophy hunters, and the apologists for this abhorrent so-called ‘sport’ must be challenged, and the practice consigned to the history books.

Sonul Badiani-Hamment, Country Director, FOUR PAWS UK said:

‘We are incredibly grateful to John Spellar for stepping forward with this important legislation that will protect wild animals from the merciless barrels of British trophy hunters. We are calling time on trophy hunting and hope as many MPs and Peers as possible will steer this Bill through quickly and stand with us to say ‘no’ to this barbaric ‘sport.’