Keir Starmer is facing backlash from prominent figures and activists for abandoning the proposal to prohibit the import of hunting trophies due to influence from the Trump administration. Advocates have been informed that the ban, which was part of Labour’s 2024 manifesto, will not be included in the upcoming parliamentary session. The revelation comes after reports that Trump’s associates pressured officials to scrap the ban, and it was disclosed that the Labour government issued 28 import permits to British trophy hunters, allowing them to bring back trophies of endangered species such as African elephants, hippopotamuses, bears, crocodiles, giraffes, and lions.
Celebrities and sports personalities, including Frank Bruno, Gary Numan, David Essex, Nicky Campbell, Lorraine Kelly, Joanna Lumley, David Harewood, Felicity Kendal, Patsy Kensit, Miriam Margolyes, Heather Mills, Cliff Richard, and Peter Shilton, among others, have signed a letter urging the Prime Minister to implement a clear timeline for enforcing the ban in the new parliamentary session.
Dame Joanna Lumley expressed her dismay, stating that it is distressing and shameful that majestic animals are still being hunted for trophies. She emphasized that these animals should be in the wild, not on display in someone’s home. The renowned actor Peter Egan criticized the delay in implementing the ban, labeling trophy hunting as cruel and psychopathic behavior that caters to narcissists.
Despite previous delays, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reiterated its commitment to banning hunting trophy imports. A spokesperson for Defra affirmed that legislation will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time permits. Eduardo Goncalves, the founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, highlighted the intense lobbying efforts by the Trump administration to hinder the ban, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent further harm to endangered species.
The letter to Keir Starmer, signed by various public figures and activists, underscores the widespread support for the ban on hunting trophies and urges the Labour leader to prioritize the issue. It emphasizes the existing draft bill, previous parliamentary approval, and overwhelming public backing for the ban. The letter also points out the global trend away from trophy hunting and the need for the UK to align with these progressive measures.