In the European Parliament, Conservative MEPs have been leading efforts to improve animal welfare and protect the world’s wildlife for future generations. Here are just four things we’ve done:
Championed using trade policy to tackle wildlife trafficking
Conservative Joint International Trade Spokesman Emma McClarkin MEP won the European Parliament’s overwhelming support for her proposal to use trade policy to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade. Customs technology and a coordinated international trade response can help crack down on the illicit trade which not only has a devastating effect on our world’s biodiversity but also funds the corrupt and criminal in developing countries.
Urged the EU to introduce a tougher ivory sales ban
Each day 55 African elephants are poached for their ivory to meet the demand for these trinkets. The UK's existing ivory ban restricts the sale of new ivory goods but often poachers will disguise these items to look older in order to sell them in Britain. To completely close the market the UK Government is introducing one of the toughest ivory sales bans in the world to cut the demand that fuels the illicit trade.
We’re proud that Britain is leading the way but only global action can end wildlife crime. That’s why Conservative MEPs’ Deputy Leader Jacqueline Foster MEP urged the EU to follow the UK’s lead and introduce a tougher ban across Europe. We’re continuing to push for this in the European Parliament.
Called for a global ban on animal testing for cosmetics
More than 80% of the world still allows cosmetic products and their ingredients to be tested on animals. This barbaric testing is unjustified and must be brought to an end. Conservative MEPs backed a resolution in the European Parliament calling on EU Member States to spearhead efforts in the United Nations to secure a worldwide ban.
The UK has a proud record on ending animal testing for cosmetics; it was the first country to ban the practice 20 years ago, instrumental in securing an EU-wide ban and continues to support countries such as China end the unnecessary animal testing. The UK is playing a leading role, and together with our EU partners, we can do more to stop the testing globally.
Unveiled a plan to tackle ghost fishing
Around 10% of the world’s marine litter is forgotten fishing gear which contributes to the globe’s growing plastic waste problem and threatens marine life. Lost or discarded fishing nets continue to trawl the seas destroying fishing stocks and indiscriminately killing whales, sea lions and dolphins.
Conservative John Flack MEP won the parliament’s support for his plan to end the so-called ghost fishing which would see port reception schemes set up across the EU to receive unwanted nets. He hopes that by offering fishermen a financial incentive to return nets and by using technology to track lost ones we can help end this hidden tragedy.
The next step introduce this plan as legislation and Mr Flack is working to ensure the measures are included in the EU’s plastic strategy which the parliament is currently discussing.