United Kingdom: Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill

The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which aims to ban the import of hunting trophies such as body parts of lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and other species, was approved by the British House of Commons on 17 March 2023. Tory Member of Parliament Henry Smith, who introduced the bill, stated that it would help preserve the world's most endangered species. However, critics of the bill argued that proceeds from hunting are used to finance species and nature conservation projects in African countries and can ultimately contribute to the protection of endangered species. Due to these objections, the law is initially limited to a five-year period. Additionally, an expert panel will be formed to assess the impact of the ban. The proposal, supported by the British government, has now been passed to the House of Lords.