There is currently a great deal of concern about the Ivory Act 2018 and I’m not surprised.
The Government needs to act swiftly and implement policies to ensure that the sale of illegal ivory in the UK is halted. The Worldwide Fund for nature reported that up to 53,130 African elephants have been poached and killed for their tusks since the Ivory Act 2018 gained royal assent. This is increasingly problematic, and action must be taken imminently.
I have always used my position in Parliament to advocate for greater animal welfare protection. I strongly oppose hunting, fur farming and other animal rights abuses. I’ve also campaigned against the use of primates in research, and negotiated tougher regulations with ministers on how they are imported for use in research, and as pets, under the Animal Welfare Act.
The implementation of the Ivory Act is crucial for the protection of elephants. Moreover, I support the extension of this ban to include other endangered animals such as Rhinos.
Separately, I was pleased that the Government passed the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill earlier this year. This Bill brought about tougher sentences for animal cruelty. Additionally, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated in their September 2021 consultation report that they will be bringing forward secondary legislation to implement the Ivory Act in line with the government response. Please see here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1017266/implementing-ivory-act-2018-summary-of-responses-government-response.pdf
Together we will continue to hold this Government to account, ensuring they provide the necessary protections to animals, especially endangered species.
I know there is a great deal of support in Islington North for this the above and I remain pleased about that.
