Dame Joanna Lumley criticized the Trump administration for pressuring the UK to lift a ban on importing trophies from hunting. The renowned actress, along with actor Peter Egan, expressed concerns after Trump’s Interior Secretary, Doug Bergum, urged the UK’s Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, to reconsider the ban, arguing that it would negatively impact hunting tourism, conservation efforts, and cultural sensitivities in the US.
President Trump, whose sons are avid hunters, previously revoked a trophy import ban implemented by former President Barack Obama. The Mirror has consistently advocated for a ban on trophy hunting imports, a stance supported by the Labour Government’s manifesto. Despite delays, Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enforcing the ban last year.
Several attempts to pass trophy hunting Bills into law were thwarted due to limited Parliamentary time, with one being obstructed by pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords. Dame Joanna emphasized the importance of the UK government standing firm against pressure from the Trump administration, stating that trophy hunting has no place in a compassionate society.
Peter Egan echoed similar sentiments, expressing shock and horror at the pressure to abandon a ban that enjoys overwhelming public support in the UK. The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting founder, Eduardo Goncalves, denounced the Trump administration’s interference in UK policy, emphasizing the cruelty and outdated nature of trophy hunting practices.
The Trump administration’s arguments in favor of trophy hunting were countered by concerns about conservation efforts and the negative impact on wildlife populations. Calls for the UK to stick to its commitment to ban trophy hunting imports were reiterated, with emphasis on the importance of respecting the will of the British public.