MPs vote to ban importation of hunting trophies

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A minister paid tribute to a lion that was shot dead in Zimbabwe as MPs voted to ban the importation of hunting trophies from big game.

The death of Cecil, a 12-year-old lion who was killed by an American dentist, Walter Palmer, in 2015, prompted such outrage that British politicians came under pressure to deter hunters by stopping them from bringing back the heads and hides of their prey.

MPs have unanimously backed a ban on the importation of hunting trophies, the most significant victory of the eight-year campaign. The only remaining hurdle will be getting the legislation through the House of Lords.

Hunters in Blaauwkrantz reserve in South Africa. Campaigners against the bill said it would make African communities poorer

GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/GETTY IMAGES

Trudy Harrison, an environment minister, welcoming support from the whole House, paid tribute to Sir David Amess, the most prominent Commons