Supporting ivory sales ban ‘led to death threats’

A BBC antiques expert has claimed he received death threats for supporting a near-total ban on ivory sales in the UK.

James Lewis, who has featured on Flog it!, Bargain Hunt and Cash in the Attic, helped politicians draw up new laws regarding ivory sales after he gave evidence advocating the move.

He said as a result, he got death threats from antique industry figures who feared toughened legislation could harm their careers. “I got a couple of phone calls saying, ‘I don’t know why you’re worried about the elephants being shot – the way you’re going, you’ll be next’,” he said.