MPs back calls to finish UK ban on trophy hunting imports alongside stars at Westminster event

Diane Morgan speaking at the event in Westminster on Tuesday

Campaigners and MPs have renewed calls for the UK to finally complete its ban on trophy hunting imports after attending a parliamentary reception in the Jubilee Room at the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday evening (17 March).

The event, hosted by Mary Glindon MP, was organised by the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting and Wildlife Guardian with support from The Animal News Agency.

It brought together MPs, campaigners and public figures to highlight why Parliament must finish legislation to stop hunters importing trophies from endangered animals killed overseas.

Guests at the reception heard speeches from Mandy star Diane Morgan, Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan, and leading animal welfare barrister Professor John Cooper KC.

Peter Egan and Diane Morgan at the event

Recent analysis presented at the event highlighted that despite strong cross-party support for a ban, UK hunters are still importing trophies from endangered wildlife. According to the latest data reported to the CITES Trade Database:

Around 50 trophies from CITES-listed animals were imported into the UK in 2024

951 hunting trophies from 44 protected species were imported between 2015 and 2021

Species imported include elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and bears

Public support for action is overwhelming, with more than 80% of the British public backing a ban on trophy hunting imports.

During her speech, Diane Morgan criticised the practice, telling attendees:

“According to the latest wildlife trade data, British hunters imported around fifty trophies from protected species in 2024. That’s fifty lions, elephants, bears, giraffes and other animals whose final contribution to the ecosystem was being turned into interior décor.”

She added: “The UK accounts for less than one percent of the global trophy trade, so banning imports wouldn’t collapse the global economy. The only real difference is that fewer endangered animals would end up staring at someone’s staircase.”

The House of Commons previously voted unanimously in favour of a trophy import ban in 2023, but the legislation stalled before becoming law.

Peter Egan said: “Britain is a nation that prides itself on loving wildlife, yet three years after MPs unanimously voted to ban it, we still allow the import of trophies from magnificent animals killed overseas for sport. Ending trophy hunting imports is a simple, common-sense step that reflects the compassion of the British public and sends a clear message that endangered wildlife is worth far more alive than mounted on a wall.”

Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, thanked MPs who attended the event and urged Parliament to complete the legislation.

He said: “We are extremely grateful to MPs and Lords for taking the time to attend this reception and stand with campaigners calling for the UK to finish the ban on trophy hunting imports. With overwhelming public support and cross-party backing in Parliament, the time has come to close this loophole once and for all and ensure endangered animals are not killed abroad simply so their heads, skins or tusks can be brought back to Britain as trophies.”

Completing the legislation would ensure that animals such as lions, elephants and rhinos can no longer be killed overseas simply so their remains can be displayed in UK homes.

The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting continues to work with MPs across all parties to secure the final passage of the ban through Parliament.

Find out more at www.bantrophyhunting.org