Environment secretary announces UK ban on ivory sales
Elephant poaching has reached crisis levels in recent years.
Plans to bring an end to illegal elephant poaching and ivory trafficking have been announced by Defra.
Speaking yesterday (22 September), environment secretary Andrea Leadsom set out plans for a ban on sales of modern-day ivory - putting UK rules on ivory sales among the world’s toughest.
“The UK has a strong record as a global leader in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade and I’m determined to do all we can to bring an end to poaching and ivory trafficking," she said.
“Elephants are some of our world’s most iconic animals and it will take truly global action to stop the insidious criminals who selfishly prosper from the ivory trade.
“This ban will send the message that the ivory trade is a thing of the past. I hope it increases pressure on other nations to implement bans and save our elephants before they disappear.”
The call comes as the UK government prepares to back urgent global action to end elephant poaching, which has reached crisis levels in recent years.
New action to tackle the illicit trade will be discussed at the upcoming conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in South Africa.
Environment minister Thérèse Coffey, who will attend the conference, said: “Working with other governments, I want to see strong outcomes from this conference to protect our precious global wildlife, including elephants, lions and rhinos. I hope the world takes note of the UK’s decisive action at this important time.”
A consultation on the ban will begin early next year and will take into account views from traders, conservationists and other relevant parties.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
