Unfortunately, the Early Day Motion that you mentioned has now lapsed as it was tabled in a previous Parliamentary session and is no longer available for signature.
The Government is committed to doing all it can to support wildlife and the environment, both in the UK and internationally, and the Queen’s Speech reaffirmed that Ministers will be delivering on the manifesto commitment to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered species.
The consultation on controls on the import and export of hunting trophies, which closed in February 2020, provided an opportunity for respondents to offer views on which species they considered needed further restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the publication of the Government response to this consultation and accompanying call for evidence. However, Ministers are continuing to work on this important area and will publish a response as soon as they are able to do so. The approach on hunting trophies will be comprehensive, robust and effective and will deliver the change promised to help protect thousands of species worldwide.
In the 25 Year Environment Plan, the UK Government committed to providing international leadership in protecting and improving international biodiversity and undertaking international action to protect endangered species. This international leadership is underpinned by a strong commitment to ensuring that the UK’s domestic policy does not threaten the conservation of species abroad. While some conservationists believe trophy hunting can be an effective conservation tool, it is also important to acknowledge concerns around the practice of trophy hunting. I welcome that the Government has proposed a new Animals Abroad Bill to tackle animal cruelty and include bans on the trade in hunting trophies. The Government will be formally introducing legislation to protect animals abroad as soon as parliamentary time allows.
DS.