Pauline Latham OBE, MP for Mid Derbyshire, played a leading role in a debate in Westminster today discussing the UK ivory trade. In her 15 minute speech she called for stricter legislation from the Government in an effort to combat the appalling slaughter of elephants – arguing that the legal domestic ivory trade is used as cover for the global illegal ivory trade, and fuels wider demand for the products.
A wide array of campaigners, conservationists, and MPs from across different parties have urged the Government to meet its commitment to ban ivory sales, with 85% of the UK public wanting to see the UK ivory trade banned. Elephant numbers have fallen sharply in recent years with one elephant killed every fifteen minutes and, at the current rate of decline, there could be no more wild African elephants within 20 years.
Speaking after the debate, Mrs Latham said:
“I was delighted to debate the crucial issue of the UK ivory trade in Westminster. The damage currently being done to elephant communities by poaching is horrifying and I, along with colleagues from across party lines, have called on the Government to use the forthcoming consultation process to introduce much stricter legislation to end the appalling slaughter.
The UK’s ivory market is abused by criminals who use it as cover for the illegal trade of poached ivory. Our Government has a proud track record of tackling the illegal wildlife trade, and I am confident that we will continue to lead the world on protecting these iconic creatures by delivering on our commitment to end UK ivory sales”.