Martin shows zeal over seal imports ban

Published on 01/10/2007 12:17

LOTHIANS-BASED Euro MP David Martin has come out in support of a European Union-wide ban on the import of seal products.

He said: "Commercial seal hunting is a brutal and cruel practice which targets seal pups only a few weeks old."

Mr Martin, who is Labour spokesman on international trade in the European Parliament, condemned Canada's complaint to the World Trade Organisation over Belgian and Dutch rules prohibiting the sale of seal products.

He said: "Canada's seal hunt is now the biggest marine mammal hunt in the world, with more than 350,000 seals cruelly slaughtered last year alone.

"There is huge public and political opposition to Canada's seal hunt in Britain and throughout Europe, and an EU-wide ban would be the best way to send a message to Canada that we do not want to import their cruelty."