Joanna Lumley has criticized the Trump administration for pressuring the UK to lift a ban on importing trophies from hunting. The renowned actress, along with fellow actor Peter Egan, expressed their concerns after Doug Bergum, Trump’s Interior Secretary, contacted UK’s Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, requesting a reconsideration of the ban.
Bergum argued that the ban would negatively impact hunting tourism, conservation initiatives, and cultural sensitivities in the US. President Trump, whose sons are avid hunters, had previously revoked a trophy import ban put in place by Barack Obama.
The Mirror has consistently advocated for a ban on trophy hunting imports, a stance also supported by the Labour Government. Despite some setbacks, Minister Mary Creagh from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs reassured the government’s commitment to the ban.
Efforts to pass trophy hunting Bills into law have faced obstacles, including interference from pro-hunting members of the House of Lords. Dame Joanna Lumley emphasized the importance of upholding the ban, stating that trophy hunting contradicts modern societal values.
Peter Egan echoed similar sentiments, expressing shock at the pressure from the Trump administration to abandon the ban. The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting founder, Eduardo Goncalves, condemned the attempted interference, emphasizing that the UK’s decision on trophy hunting imports should be respected.
In a letter to Ms. Reynolds, Bergum highlighted the benefits of regulated hunting in maintaining wildlife populations, habitat restoration, and supporting local economies. He urged the UK to engage in dialogue rather than implement a blanket ban on imports.