Nus Ghani is delighted by the Government’s announcement that it is planning a near-total ban on ivory sales in the UK.
It is expected that this ban will prompt a reduction in the poaching of elephants by removing opportunities for criminals to trade ivory. These plans put the UK at the forefront of the global efforts to end the trading of ivory.
This landmark action by the Conservative Government is particularly important given the high levels of elephant poaching globally. The number of elephants has declined by nearly one third in the past decade and approximately 20,000 elephants are still being slaughtered every year due to the global demand for ivory. If current rates of poaching continue, it is likely that elephants could become extinct within decades in some African countries.
The Government will continue to work with the African countries leading the Elephant Protection Initiative in order to secure a strong future for elephants across Africa. The UK military will also continue to train an elite force of anti-poachers in African countries.
The ban will cover the sale of ivory items of all ages, not only those created after a certain date. The proposals will be subject to a twelve week consultation. During the consultation process, the Government will work with conservationists and the arts and antiques sectors in order to define appropriate exemptions for certain items, such as those of significant historic or cultural value. These exemptions will be implemented in a way so as to ensure that there is no room for loopholes.
Commenting on the issue, Ms Ghani said: “Having worked closely with local wildlife conservationists and environmental campaigners on the issue of ivory, I am delighted that the Government has had the drive to propose a landmark near-total ban on ivory sales.
The ivory trade and its dire impact on elephants is an issue that I know is close to the hearts of many people in Wealden. I have received letters from constituents from East Hoathly, Buxted, Nutley, Wadhurst, Forest Row, Hailsham and Crowborough regarding the plight of elephants and so I know this announcement will come as very welcome news.
Unless poaching stops, there is a very real possibility that elephants could become extinct in Africa and so I am proud that the UK has placed itself firmly at the forefront of the global fight against poaching and is doing its bit to conserve wildlife. The violent poaching by illegal armed gangs will only cease when people stop buying ivory and this is a pivotal step in tackling this attack on our natural world.”