Diane Morgan, known for her roles in Motherland and Last One Laughing, has criticized trophy hunting in Africa, equating it to “rich individuals engaging in a deplorable game of Pokemon.” The actress, 50, has joined the campaign to end trophy imports and urged the UK government to take decisive action.
During an event at the House of Commons, Morgan condemned the killing of majestic animals like elephants, lions, and leopards for trophies, describing them as “the most disturbing fridge magnets.” She emphasized the need for a comprehensive ban on trophy hunting in the UK without further delay.
Despite widespread support for a ban on trophy hunting, recent data revealed that UK hunters imported around 50 trophies from endangered species in 2024, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. Over 80% of the British public stands behind the call for action against trophy hunting imports.
Morgan, alongside fellow activists Ricky Gervais and Peter Egan, highlighted the absurdity of trophy hunting, stating that it does not serve conservation or science but merely indulges the whims of the wealthy. The House of Commons unanimously backed a trophy import ban in 2023, but the legislation has yet to be enacted.
Eduardo Goncalves from the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting emphasized the urgent need to close the trophy hunting loophole and prevent the senseless killing of endangered animals for vanity. The government has pledged to introduce a ban on hunting trophies from species of conservation concern, with plans underway to implement the legislation.
In a separate campaign against the fur trade, public opinion strongly favors ending the killing of animals for their fur. A report by the Animal Welfare Committee exposed the cruelty of fur production and called for legislative action to protect animal welfare standards. Despite banning fur farming domestically, the UK continues to import fur from overseas, prompting calls for a complete ban on the fur trade.
Humane World for Animals UK, supported by the Daily Mirror, is leading the #FurFreeBritain campaign, urging the government to align with its Animal Welfare Strategy and uphold high animal welfare standards by ending the fur trade. Claire Bass underscored the incongruity between the UK’s animal welfare commitments and the exploitation of caged and suffering animals in the fur industry.
