“We already have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and as an independent nation we are now able to re-examine some of our animal welfare laws, including the import of fur for use in fashion products.”

The UK government is seeking the views of the public, the fashion industry, and businesses as it considers a potential ban on fur sales across the country.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a call for evidence to help inform future government policy on the fur trade in Great Britain.

The move is part of a series of plans as outlined in the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare after several landmark bills and new legislation were introduced in the parliament earlier this month.

Among them is the Fur Trade Prohibition Bill, which got its first reading in the House of Commons in April this year.

While UK banned fur farming over 20 years ago,  it has imported more than £800 million worth of fur from countries such as Finland, China, and Poland.

According to the Guardian, the UK could introduce an outright ban based on the feedback it receives.

Animal welfare laws

“We already have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and as an independent nation we are now able to re-examine some of our animal welfare laws, including the import of fur for use in fashion products,” Environment Secretary George Eustice said in a press release.

“The views, data and case studies we receive will be vital to helping to inform future government policy in this area including by better understanding the trade both at home and abroad.”

Fur Free Britain campaign

A slew of politicians, animal advocates, and celebrities have been urging the government to ban the cruel trade for years.

The Fur Free Britain campaign created under the coordination of Humane Society International UK has garnered celebrity support from the likes of Chris Packham, Ricky Gervais, Brian May, Leona Lewis, and Dame Judi Dench.

Eight of Britain’s top luxury fashion designers including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Katharine Hamnett, ERDEM, Shrimps, Christopher Raeburn, and Helen Moore have also backed the charity’s campaign

Claire Bass is the executive director of Humane Society International/UK. She said in a statement: “The vast majority of British consumers reject fur. And, as the revolting cruelty of fur is exposed, a global decline in demand for fur fashion has sent this industry into a downward spiral.

“Killing animals for fashion does not reflect brand Britain. Even her Majesty the Queen has stopped buying new fur. It’s time for our government to consign the fur trade to the history books where it belongs and ban the sale of fur.”

You can respond to the call for evidence here.

• Read: UK government’s animal welfare action plan blasted for trophy hunting loopholes

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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