Darlington MP Peter Gibson backs Hunting Trophies ban

The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill passed its committee stage in the House of Commons on Wednesday (January 25).

The Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on June, 15 2022 by Henry Smith MP for Crawley and passed second reading on November, 25 2022.

Since the 1980s, an estimated 25,000 animals which have been slaughtered have been brought into the UK and this Bill will introduce a ban importing these hunting trophies that is among the strongest in the world and leads the way in protecting endangered animals.

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The bill has widespread support among animal welfare organisations and was able to secure cross party support at its second reading, passing without the need for a division.

It again secured cross party support at committee sage and will now continue on to its third reading before going to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.

Speaking about the bill, Mr Gibson said: “Trophy hunting is morally wrong, and widely opposed by both the public and animal welfare organisations.

“It is absolutely right that we ban the importation of hunting trophies to further protect some of the most endangered animals on the planet.

“I am proud to be able to play my part in ensuring that this important bill moves closer to becoming law.”

Peter Gibson on High Row in Darlington (Image: The Northern Echo)

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