A response from Sir Peter Bottomley MP:
I am proud that the UK has consistently led the way on animal welfare, and it is right that we cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar.
The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, introduced by my colleague and friend Henry Smith MP to legislate for a historic ban on trophy hunting imports into this country, has been passed by the House of Commons. I was extremely pleased to vote in favour of the Bill.
At the last General Election, we stood on a manifesto commitment to be a world-leading nation in banning the import of hunting trophies of endangered animals.
Using an internationally agreed list of species, this Bill will play a world-leading part in helping reverse the decline of wildlife across the world.
The House of Commons passing this legislation marks an important moment in ensuring that this pledge to support conservation becomes a reality.
Earlier this year I co-authored an open letter in The Times, calling on the government to move ahead with its proposed ban as a matter of urgency.
I also signed an Early Day Motion authored by Sir Mike Penning MP, calling on the Government to fully support the passage of the Trophy Hunting (Imports Prohibition) bill, including this as a tribute to the late Sir David Amess MP who campaigned tirelessly on this issue.
The full EDM can be read here: edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/60270/trophy-hunting-import-and-exports
My request to would-be trophy hunters: please replace your gun with a camera.
Simply put; shoot the best picture you can, leave the animal alive.
My request to the Government now: do what is necessary to enact this Bill with the urgency that is required.
Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me on this important subject.
