Some of Britain’s biggest stars have written to the Prime Minister urging him to ban the sale of fur to prevent future pandemics.
In a boost for the Mirror’s campaign, the letter signed by 50 celebs including Dame Judi Dench, Brian May, Leona Lewis, Gary Lineker , James Arthur, Thandie Newton, Alesha Dixon, Ricky Gervais, Mollie King and Dame Twiggy Lawson, urges him to take action and stop the cruelty.
It is also signed by Amanda Holden, Simon Pegg, Joanna Lumley OBE, Laura Whitmore, Natalie Imbruglia, Sir Mark Rylance, Imelda Staunton, Deborah Meaden and Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
It reads: “As long as Britain allows the sale of cruel fur from overseas, we remain complicit in an industry that causes immense animal suffering, environmental harm, and also presents risks to human health through the spread of deadly viruses.
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“It is not enough to say that we have banned fur cruelty from our own backyard, we must stop outsourcing that same cruelty from overseas.
“Britain prides itself on being a nation of animal lovers, and that’s why we banned fur farming two decades ago – because it is unspeakably cruel and utterly devoid of respect for animals.
"Subjecting foxes, mink, raccoon dogs and other animals to the endless monotony of life in a tiny, barren metal cage, only to be gassed or electrocuted to death for frivolous fashion, is totally unacceptable.
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"Subjecting coyotes and other wild animals to the agony and prolonged distress of being caught in traps, is no better."
The letter comes as the RSPCA is also backing our campaign with Humane Society International/UK to ban imports of fur into the UK. Our petition has over 975,000 signatures.
Heidi Allen, RSPCA director of advocacy and policy, said: “As a compassionate nation of animal lovers, we know it isn't enough to simply ban fur farming at home.
"If we want to continue leading the way, then we must also say 'no' to any activity connected with this barbaric, cruel and inhumane use of animals."
She added: “Not only is it the right thing to do, it would also demonstrate our global and moral leadership as we strive towards a world totally free of fur farming.”
Fur farming was banned in Britain almost two decades ago in 2003 as it was deemed too cruel.
But since then Britain has imported more than £800 million worth of fur from countries including Finland, China, France and Poland, where animals experience severe suffering and distress on fur farms.
Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais added: "Banning the sale of fur in the UK doesn't even require debate, it's a no brainer.
"Should the UK be selling fur from animals who have been anally electrocuted, gassed to death, beaten to death, and may even have had Covid-19?
"No it shouldn't, let's get the ban done."
Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International/UK, who is campaigning alongside the Mirror said: “Fur is cruel and unnecessary, and a fur sales ban would command support from the vast majority of the public, politicians, designers and retailers.
"This letter sends a clear message to Boris Johnson that Britain must no longer be an accomplice in the suffering of millions of animals for frivolous fur fashion.
"When the selling stops, the suffering will too.”
Support our campaign by signing the petition at www.furfreebritain.uk