VOTE ON SEAL PRODUCTS IN EUROPE

That this House applauds the members of the European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection for their decision to vote in favour of a complete ban on the commercial trade and importation into the EU of seal products; recognises the Canadian seal hunt is the largest slaughter of marine mammals on earth; believes that the nature of the hunt is inherently inhumane; deplores the 1.7 million harp seal pups killed since 2003; further notes that public opinion polls consistently show that over 70 per cent. of British and European citizens are opposed to commercial seal hunting; recognises the UK Government's efforts in urging both the European Commission and European Member states to carry forward the wishes of British and European citizens; and calls on all members of the European Parliament to vote for a ban on seal products in Europe.