Take Part: Government Call for Evidence

Want to help stop a UK ban; here’s how.

The Government is running a four week call for evidence on the UK sector that closes on the 28^th June. You do not need to be directly involved in the trade to take part and nor do you have to answer every question. But you can use this call for evidence to signal that you strongly believe it should be left to you as an informed consumer, not the Government or animal rights activists, to decide what you should be allowed to buy and wear.

Read our dedicated briefing on why a ban would be unworkable and unsustainable, including:

• There is no majority in favour of introducing restrictions on ethically sourced fur in the UK.
• The calls for restrictions on fur come from animal rights activists who also have an agenda of banning all animal products including wool, leather and silk as well as modern farming.
• There are exacting standards and rules in place governing the fur sector, together with extensive assurance schemes, banning natural fur would do nothing to improve standards in animal welfare and is a purely symbolic move pushed by animal rights activists.
• A ban would not work and would be unenforceable. It would simply push sales online, untaxed and unregulated and to those who care little about animal welfare. 
• It would also impact on the indigenous groups who still depend on fur for their survival in places like Greenland and Canada.
• It would impact on those religious groups who use fur.
• It would lead to thousands of job losses and closed businesses.
• It would damage London as a global fashion hub with many designers and brands using fur.
• It would not be possible to ban fur in Northern Ireland, that remains part of the EU Customs Union, and therefore risks disrupting trade between the countries of the UK.
• It would disrupt trade relations with some of our closest allies who are major fur producing and manufacturing countries including Canada and the United States and much of Europe.
• Fur remains popular with sales increasing over the last decade.
• Banning fur would simply increase sails of oil based synthetic fast fashion. Natural fur is far better for the environment than the man made materials.
• Banning fur is a retrograde, damaging step and no sensible Government would consider implementing it particularly given other priorities including tackling the pandemic.

The call for evidence can be found here: The Fur Market in Great Britain - Defra - Citizen Space

Alternatively, you can simply email your comments setting out your opposition to a ban to fur@defra.gov.uk  

Read our longer briefing that explains the damaging consequences of a fur ban: click here

Have your say now and say No To the Wardrobe Police : click here for a dedicated briefing