Tomlinson backs tougher approach to ivory trade

That is the message behind a new ivory surrender campaign launched by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and backed by North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson.

It's part of an ongoing effort to close down the UK’s ivory market and save elephants from the threat of extinction.

While the iconic image of the elephant tusk is recognisable the world over, if the public in the UK have ivory in their homes it is more likely to be in the form of jewellery, ornaments or table decorations.

These objects may seem harmless enough, however few people realise that their ongoing circulation fuels a trade in ivory that can be traced directly back to the brutal slaying of elephants in the wild.

But it's not too late to take action. Politicians and campaigners are urging the public to surrender any ivory items in their possession for it to be destroyed.

Research shows that 95 per cent of people in Britain would not purchase ivory products, so why keep them in their homes.

MP for North Swindon, Justin Tomlinson, is one of those backing the campaign.

He has campaigned for an to end to the ivory trade since his election to Parliament in 2010. In that time he has led debates on the issue and has made efforts to highlight the work of the IFAW on the floor of the house and in meetings with ministers.

Justin said: "Tackling illegal poaching and ending the ivory trade are matters I take very seriously and I have actively campaigned on in Parliament since I was first elected.

"With elephant populations at an all-time low and the species facing extinction due to the ivory poaching crisis which is killing at least 20,000 elephants each year, I am very pleased to support this important IFAW initiative which enables members of the public to make a real difference for elephants and their future survival.

"I would encourage any of my constituents who have unwanted ivory to support IFAW’s ivory surrender which will help ensure that ivory is only valued on a live, wild elephant, where it belongs."

Philip Mansbridge, UK Director of IFAW, said: "We are very grateful for Justin’s continued support for our campaign. Time really is running out for elephants and if we do not act now it will be too late.

"Historically ivory has been seen by many as a status symbol and something to value, but the reality is that a piece of ivory represents a dead elephant, cruelly shot or poisoned for its tusks.

"Many people in the UK have bought or inherited ivory tusks, carvings or trinkets over the years that they do not want now they understand that an elephant has died for this.

"We are encouraging people to surrender their unwanted ivory, whether legal or illegal, so we can ensure it is put beyond use, and so that it will not resurface on the market or help fuel further illegal poaching of elephants to satisfy consumer demand."

The legal ivory trade often provides a smokescreen for more illegal killing of elephants and by donating unwanted ivory, IFAW believes members of the public can make a positive contribution to elephant protection.

A small number of ivory items will be retained for education and publicity purposes while other donations will be immediately transferred to a secret and secure location and ultimately destroyed by the appropriate Government agency.

Alongside the amnesty effort, IFAW continues to call on the UK Government to ban ivory sales in the UK as a priority.

Mr Mansbridge added: "We have recently seen strong moves from China and the US to tackle their own domestic ivory markets which is to be welcomed.

"As a nation of animal lovers in the UK, and with the UK playing such a significant role historically in the ivory trade, it is time for us to also take a stand by saying ivory belongs to elephants and no-one else.

"We can see there is strong political will in the UK to make this happen, and we need action to stop the ivory trade now."

For information about how to surrender your ivory, visit www.ifaw.org/united-kingdom/big-ivory-surrender