To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her Department's policy is on introducing a total ban on the sale of ivory in the UK; and if she will make a statement.
Answered on
7 February 2017
In September, the Secretary of State for Environment announced a ban on trade in worked ivory from the last 70 years, making the UK rules on ivory amongst the toughest in the world. We will be consulting shortly on these plans.
Our consultation will also seek evidence on the benefits and impacts of taking further action, and we welcome evidence from all stakeholders in response to our consultation. I have met with groups on all sides of this debate, from conservation experts to antiques sector representatives, and will continue to do so.
I refer the Honorary Member to the debate on the 6th February