Thank you for contacting me about the fur trade and EDM 267.

It is my policy not to sign Early Day Motions (EDMs), as they are little more than parliamentary graffiti and I do not feel that they bring about resolutions.

I am pleased to note that the import of fur products is tightly regulated, and fur farming is banned in the UK. It is illegal to import furs derived from cats or dogs, or products made from them. In addition, the fur and skin of endangered animals or fish cannot be imported without a valid permit. It is prohibited to import furs or fur products from 13 wild animal species originating in countries where they are caught in the wild by leg-hold traps, or trapping methods that do not meet international standards of humane trapping. Strict rules are also in place to ensure that animals kept for fur production are kept, trapped and slaughtered humanely.

I appreciate that there is considerable support for banning all imports of fur products. The UK continues to support higher animal welfare standards worldwide as the best way of phasing out cruel and inhumane fur farming and trapping practices that are banned here. Now we have left the EU, the Government has retained all the current regulations banning imports of cat and dog fur and seal products from commercial hunts, as well as controls on products from endangered species and humane trapping. Until the end of the transition period it is not possible to introduce additional restrictions on the fur trade, but at the end of that period the UK will have a unique opportunity to ensure we have the highest standards in every area of animal welfare.

The UK will also be able to press for high standards through international fora such as the World Organisation for Animal Health, CITES and others. The UK will retake our seat on these bodies and be able to promote and support improved animal welfare standards internationally more effectively.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.