Three years after a unanimous Commons vote, campaigners return to Parliament to ask why British hunters can still bring home the remains of endangered animals

By Marie Carter-Robb

Campaigners have renewed calls for the UK Government to finally complete its ban on trophy hunting imports, following a packed reception in Parliament marking the third anniversary of a unanimous Commons vote to outlaw the practice.

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, Peers, campaigners and public figures to highlight why the Government should act on its manifesto commitment and legislate to stop hunters importing trophies from endangered animals.

Among those addressing the reception were After Life and Mandy star Diane Morgan, Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan, and leading animal welfare barrister Professor John Cooper KC, one of the country’s foremost experts in animal welfare law.

The numbers behind the campaign

Recent analysis presented at the event laid bare the scale of the problem. 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 alone. Between 2015 and 2021, 951 hunting trophies from 44 protected species were imported, including elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and bears.

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

‘Fifty animals turned into interior décor’

Diane Morgan did not mince her words during her speech at the reception.

“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.”

‘Worth far more alive than mounted on a wall’

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 urged the Government to act, telling guests: “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.”

‘Close this loophole once and for all’

Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, thanked parliamentarians who attended and urged the Government to complete the legislation.

“We are extremely grateful to MPs and Peers, including Baroness Hayman of Ullock, for taking the time to speak 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 and Peers across all parties to secure the final passage of the ban through Parliament.

Find out more at www.bantrophyhunting.org

Pictured: After Life and Mandy star Diane Morgan, Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan