Today I showed my support for WWF’s campaign to end the illegal wildlife trade by attending a charity event in the Houses of Parliament to celebrate China’s ivory ban, which came in to force this month.

The situation for elephants is critical, with around 55 a day being killed for their ivory – this means more African elephants are being poached for their ivory than are being born. 

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson addressed the reception, which was also attended by Environment Secretary Michael Gove, the Minister for combating the illegal trade, Mark Field MP, representatives of the Chinese Embassy and MPs and Lords from across the political spectrum.

Jointly hosted by WWF and the Chinese embassy, the reception highlighted that, if successful, the Chinese closure of its ivory markets will reduce opportunities to buy and sell illegal ivory, and help to reduce demand.  But it is important that other, neighbouring countries follow suit with similar laws, to ensure that this sickening trade does not simply shift to places with weaker laws.

The Chinese move comes as a proposal also to ban ivory trade in the UK has been announced by the UK Government.  Many people responded to the recent consultation on this plan, and WWF is calling for confirmation of a UK ban before The London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, which takes place on 10-11 October 2018.

I know many constituents support efforts to clamp down on the illegal ivory trade, particularly following the Storyville documentary earlier this month which looked at the problem of poaching and hunting in South Africa.