By David Hanson MP / Latest News / • • / 0 Comments

Westminster Hall Debate: Trophy hunting

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This week I attended, and spoke in, the Westminster Hall debate on trophy hunting. I strongly believe that the UK should ban trophy hunting and the import of any animal products secured through this vile practice.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove MP, recently stated that he wouldn’t introduce this ban for reasons only known to him.

We must protect some of our most endangered species and the key way of achieving this is banning trophy hunting and the import of animal products. The Government must take action now.

By David Hanson MP / Latest News / • • • / 0 Comments

Supporting Efforts to stamp out rural crime

Today, I attended an event to help raise awareness of rural crime and ways to prevent it. The event was jointly hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Crime, the National Farmers Union and CrimeStoppers and was the formal launch of a new service for farmers, rural businesses and the public could contact to anonymously report rural crimes.

This service will provide a dedicated number, with call handlers specifically trained in rural crime, for farmers, rural businesses and the general public to anonymously report rural crime.

The bill for rural crime is now more than £42.5 million and farmers and their families in some parts of the UK have been victims of arson, vandalism and burglary with many experiencing fear, intimidation and threats of violence. Vehicle theft, hare coursing and fly-tipping are also contributing to widespread anger, frustration and worry within rural communities, according to NFU reports. Read more “Supporting Efforts to stamp out rural crime”

By David Hanson MP / Latest News / • • / 0 Comments

DEFRA Questions: Ivory Ban

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I have called on the Government to implement a total ban on ivory products in the UK. This follows the recent announcement by the UK Government to undertake a consultation on ivory products.

The Government state that the consultation has been set in place so that they can seek views on their proposal to introduce a total ban on UK sales of ivory that could contribute either directly or indirectly to the continued poaching of elephants. They are asking for evidence on the effect the proposed ban will have. This includes its effect on elephant conservation, the natural environment and businesses, as well as its economic and cultural effect. Read more “DEFRA Questions: Ivory Ban”

By David Hanson MP / Latest News / • • / 0 Comments

DEFRA Questions: Badger Cull

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Yesterday, I asked the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about their policy on badger culls in England and its knock on effect for Wales.

I asked the Government how it will ensure that the vaccine used on badgers is made available when needed. This question come about because The Badger Edge Vaccine Scheme was successful, however there was a shortage in vaccine. Likewise work is continuing on a bovine vaccination. A comprehensive bovine TB strategy should be advanced by the Government including a focus on developing scale for vaccination programmes, better testing, better animal husbandry and improved biosecurity. Read more “DEFRA Questions: Badger Cull”