Joanna Lumley criticizes the Trump administration for pressuring the UK to lift a ban on importing trophies from hunting. The renowned actress, along with actor Peter Egan, voiced their concerns after Doug Bergum, Trump’s Interior Secretary, appealed to the UK’s Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, to reconsider the ban, citing potential negative impacts on hunting tourism, conservation efforts, and cultural sensitivities in the US.
President Trump, whose sons are avid hunters, has already overturned a ban on trophy imports initiated during Barack Obama’s presidency. The Mirror has been a vocal advocate for banning trophy hunting imports, a stance supported by the Labour Government’s manifesto. Despite delays, Minister Mary Creagh from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the ban.
However, legislative attempts to ban trophy hunting have faced obstacles, including a lack of Parliamentary time and opposition from pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords. Dame Joanna emphasized the need for the UK to resist pressure from the Trump administration, stating that trophy hunting contradicts modern societal values.
Peter Egan echoed similar sentiments, expressing shock at the government’s potential abandonment of a ban overwhelmingly supported by the British public. The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting founder, Eduardo Goncalves, condemned the Trump administration’s interference, emphasizing the British public’s and Parliament’s clear support for the ban.
In a letter to Environment Secretary Reynolds, Mr. Bergum argued that legal, regulated hunting, including trophy hunting, is crucial for wildlife conservation and local economies. He urged the UK to engage through established channels rather than enforcing a blanket ban on all imports. The Mirror has learned that discussions have taken place between Baroness Hayman and US embassy representatives regarding the matter.
The pushback against the Trump administration’s pressure underscores the importance of upholding the ban on trophy hunting imports, a decision that aligns with the wishes of the British people and the UK Parliament’s unanimous support for such legislation.