The UK will introduce a bold ban on ivory sales it was confirmed this week, as the Environment Secretary Michael Gove set out the government’s commitment to protecting elephants for future generations.
Commenting, Eastleigh MP Mims Davies said:
"We have always been a nation of animal lovers, whether those animals live with us or alongside us. It is therefore no surprise that so many of my constituents have contacted me about the urgent need to take action and secure the safety of Africa’s elephant population for good.
"That’s why I am SO pleased that as a result of this bold move the UK will again be leading the way when it comes to protecting the wildlife around us, making us the toughest in Europe and among the toughest in the world when it comes to taking action on Ivory Sales.
"It is an exciting time to be working alongside Ministers at DEFRA on behalf of the Prime Minister and my constituents as these transforming policies come forward, and it is particularly reassuring to note that while it is clear that this move has the backing of the public, the consultation received over 77,000 responses, with close to 90% in favour."
The CEO of Tusk Trust, Charlie Mayhew MBE said:
"We are delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and given the overwhelming public response to their consultation is now moving decisively to introduce tough legislation to ban the trade in ivory in the UK.
"The narrowly defined exemptions are pragmatic. The ban will ensure there is no value for modern day ivory and the tusks of recently poached elephants cannot enter the UK market. We welcome the fact that Ministers are sending such a clear message to the world that the illegal wildlife trade will not be tolerated and every effort will be made to halt the shocking decline in Africa’s elephant population in recent years."