Oral Answers to Questions

Rishi Sunak Excerpts

Tuesday 9th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

1. What steps his Department is taking to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

[Rishi Sunak (Richmond (Yorks)) (Con)]

4. What steps his Department is taking to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

[Mr Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con)]

24. What steps his Department is taking to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

--- Later in debate ---

[Boris Johnson]

I am grateful for that question, because the UK Government have been a leader for many years now in calling for an end to the illegal trade in ivory, which not only does so much damage to the elephant population but encourages criminality of all kinds across the African continent. I am proud to say that this Government are currently consulting, as my hon. Friend will know, on an all-out ivory ban. The results of that consultation will be announced shortly, and I hope to have good news for the House.

[Rishi Sunak]

I commend my right hon. Friend for all his work in this area, but may I draw his attention to a shocking investigation in the Mail on Sunday, which highlighted the continuing illegal trade in tigers in Laos? Does he agree that those findings deserve urgent attention to ensure that this magnificent species can continue to enjoy a safe future?

[Boris Johnson]

I indeed commend the excellent journalism of that publication—at least in this respect—in highlighting what is taking place in respect of tiger farming in Laos, which is an abominable trade that all right-thinking people across the House would condemn. The UK Government not only call on the Government of Laos to stop this appalling trade, but stand ready to give any support and help that we can to the Laotians.