Help to make Britain fur free
As the government debates a ban on the import of fur to the UK, Closer explains why it’s vital to keep applying the pressure on MPS…
osing for P photos in fur stoles and heavily trimmed coats, celebrities such as Jordan and Kate Moss have made no secret of their love of fur. However, these images are increasingly on the receiving end of a scathing public backlash – with fans saying they are “appalled” by Jordan’s behaviour, labelling her actions “disgusting”.
This growing disgust for the fur trade was echoed last week, during a landmark debate in parliament. MPS spoke out in favour of banning fur imports into the UK – describing the trade as “vile” and the “grimmest of human activities”. And the government is now reconsidering its stance after 426,000 people signed a petition for a ban.
However, campaigners say we need to do more to ensure the UK is completely fur free.
SUFFERING
Claire Bass, the executive director of Humane Society International UK – which leads the #Furfreebritain campaign – says, “We’re delighted that the issue of fur was debated in parliament – it’s a prime example of people power and shows how fundamentally wrong Brits think the fur trade is. However, while 32 MPS spoke passionately about the topic, it was disappointing that the government didn’t pledge to stop the importation of fur straight away.”
Every year, more than 130m innocent animals suffer as a result of the fur trade. Reared on factory farms, they are kept in terrible conditions and forced to live in tiny cramped cages before being gassed or electrocuted. But while fur farming has been banned in England, Wales and Scotland since 2002, the material can still be brought into the country – with the UK importing almost £75m worth of animal fur last year alone.
MILESTONE
As a result, Claire says it’s vital to keep the issue at the forefront of politicians’ minds. She says, “The debate was an important milestone, but now we need to make sure we ramp up our lobbying campaigns. We’re also going to work to introduce fur-free cities and shopping centres across the UK, to show the government that businesses back a ban. The public can also help by signing our petition, as we’re aiming to reach a million signatures in the next year. And of course, it’s important not to wear fur or like photos of celebrities who do.”
Claire also says that if Britain goes ahead with the ban, then many other countries may do the same. She explains, “Theresa May said she wanted Britain to be the world leader for animal welfare and this would be a great opportunity to prove it. By stopping the importation of fur, we’d save at least two million animals a year. The fur trade’s days are numbered. We’re just trying to speed up the process, looking forward to the day when we live in a fur-free world.”