Act urgently to stop cruel trophy trade

FOR the next couple of weeks, the environment and the future of our planet will be where it belongs – at the top of the agenda.

World leaders are gathering in Glasgow for what is being billed as “the last chance saloon” to recognise and tackle climate change.

It’s not just a chance to discuss climate change and carbon output. It’s a chance for all of us to reflect on the way we treat the country and the planet.

It comes at a time when companies are pouring sewage into our seas. When plans to switch to clean energy are being thwarted by greed.

And it comes, as we reveal today, as the crime against nature that is trophy hunting is not just continuing but flourishing while our government does nothing.

Mr Johnson personally pledged to end this vile trade.

Of course he did. Promises mean nothing to him. He makes them, of course, but rarely delivers. It’s been two years since he said he would act.

Trophy hunting is a callous, pointless cruelty. It feels archaic, from a less-informed age, when hunters headed out and took great pride in killing and displaying their prey.

Animals are to be protected, respected and cared for.

Allowing this vile trade to continue is a sign that we don’t realise our relationship with the planet and everything else on it, is delicate and precious.

This is not something to be kicked into the long grass.

The Government should end its delaying tactics and act.

It’s urgent, and, like the rest of the environmental problems the world faces, needs dealing with immediately.