Doug Bergum, Trump’s Interior Secretary has written to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds urging her to think again on the ban on
Donald Trump’s administration has been accused of trying to ‘bully’ the British government into scrapping plans to ban sick trophy hunting imports.
Doug Bergum, Trump’s Interior Secretary has written to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, urging her to think again on the ban, claiming it will hurt local economies, conservation efforts and cultural sensitivities in the US.
Trump – whose sons Donald Jr and Eric are trophy hunters – has already scrapped a ban on trophy imports imposed in the US under Barack Obama. And powerful hunting lobby groups, including the Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club backed Trump’s re-election bid.
The Mirror has long campaigned for a ban on trophy hunting imports – something the Labour Government agreed to in its manifesto. And despite delays, Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a ban late last year.
But a series of trophy hunting Bills failed to pass into law due to lack of Parliamentary time, one having been derailed by a handful of pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords. The Mirror understands Baroness Hayman, who is responsible for developing legislation to impose the ban, has spoken to representatives from the US embassy in London about the letter.
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, said: “It is outrageous that the Trump Administration is attempting to bully the UK Government into a manifesto pledge to ban trophy hunting imports, a policy supported by 9 out of 10 voters as well as virtually every single party in Parliament.
“Let me be absolutely clear: this is a sovereign decision for Britain. The British public has spoken loudly and decisively at the ballot box. The House of Commons has twice voted unanimously in support of a ban.”
He added: “It is no secret that Trump’s sons are notorious trophy hunters. Less well-known is that powerful US hunting lobby groups including Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club backed Trump’s presidential campaign. Our investigations have shown how these groups have spent millions of dollars on disinformation campaigns and funding pro-hunting lobbyists in the UK to try and block the will of the people.
“Trophy hunting is cruel, outdated and indefensible. The Government has committed to banning trophy hunting imports. Keir Starmer ’s response to this latest effort by the Trump Administration to meddle with the affairs of sovereign nations should be to confirm that the ban will be legislated for this year.”
In the letter, Mr Burgum is understood to have told Ms Reynolds: “While well-intentioned, the legislation risks undermining conservation efforts not only in the United States, but in communities around the world.
“Legal, well-regulated hunting – particularly trophy hunting – plays a vital role in supporting healthy wildlife populations, restoring habitat and supporting local economies.”
He added: “We respectfully encourage the United Kingdom to engage through these established channels rather than pursue a blanket ban on all imports.”