Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the debate on Dolphin and Whale Hunting: Faroe Islands on 11 July 2022, what diplomatic steps her Department has taken since July 2022 to encourage the Faroese Government to stop the practice of dolphin and whale hunting; and if she will make a statement.

The government is strongly opposed to the hunting of whales and dolphins. My colleagues and I will continue to raise this issue with the Faroe Islands, and we will raise it when the Joint Committee of our agreement meets in November. Our Trade agreement strengthens our ability to have these discussions and influence crucial issues like animal welfare.

We continue to use our diplomatic relationship to lobby the Faroes to stop this practice altogether. His Majesty’s Ambassador to Copenhagen is due to visit the Faroes Islands in the near future and this will be a key topic of her visit.