Environment minister Trudy Harrison made the claim as the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill was given an unopposed third reading by MPs. Clashes were expected in the Commons after Tory backbenchers Sir Bill Wiggin and Sir Christopher Chope tabled a series of amendments to the proposals, which animal rights campaigners had claimed would weaken the Bill. In an emotional moment, Ms Harrison told the Commons: “Actually, dare I say that Cecil the lion has not died in vain. Actor Charles Dance and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes were among other stars who urged MPs to back the Bill, and warned against what they claimed was a “wrecking amendment” from Tory MP Sir Bill. The Bill will now face further scrutiny in the House of Lords before it can become law.

Source: The Times March 17, 2023 13:38 UTC