Import and sale of fur
Westminster Hall debate
On Tuesday 27 June 2023, Giles Watling MP led a Westminster Hall debate on the import and sale of fur.
Ahead of the debate, he gave the following statement:
"Over 20 years ago*, the UK banned fur farming on the grounds that it was cruel. I believe that if we don’t allow fur farming domestically, we shouldn’t allow the import of fur farmed abroad - when it comes to animal welfare I believe that the UK should lead by example.
"Realistic and cost effective cruelty-free alternatives to fur exist. Nowadays, it is possible to enjoy fur-like products without the unnecessary cruelty or harm that fur farming engenders.
"I believe that animals deserve dignity, and to live free of the cruelty that fur-farmed animals are subjected to. This debate, I hope, will enable Parliament to consider making Britain a country where we don’t need to farm or import fur."
Read the transcript on Hansard
Watch the debate
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What is a Westminster Hall Debate?
Westminster Hall debates take place in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons.
They give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.
The topic for this debate was nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. The Committee give backbenchers (MPs who aren’t ministers or shadow ministers) an opportunity to secure a debate on a topic of their choice, either in the main House of Commons Chamber or Westminster Hall.
The debate will take place on a ‘general debate' motion expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'. This means that the debate won’t end in a vote on a particular action or decision.
How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.
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