Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the global wildlife trade and COVID-19.

I understand your concerns surrounding the exploitation of wildlife and the increased risk of future pandemics from the continued exploitation and commodification of wildlife in the global wildlife trade.

Year on year, the habitats of many precious creatures are put in jeopardy, their natural surroundings are encroached on by human activity and animals, birds and insects are taken to fuel the international trade in wildlife. I am calling on the UK Government to take serious action to end the trade of endangered animals and protect fragile habitats.

The UK Government has said it is considering the many complex issues around the global trade in wildlife - including its relationship to COVID-19 - and will support swift policy interventions where these are shown to be effective in mitigating future risk of zoonotic diseases.

It has pledged to invest over £66 million between 2014 and 2024 on work to directly tackle the illegal wildlife trade in animals and plants, including to reduce demand, strengthen enforcement, ensure effective legal frameworks and develop sustainable alternative livelihoods.

More widely, I support the appointment of an independent Animal Welfare Commissioner with the objective of ensuring that animal welfare standards are always considered as legislation is introduced and as Britain takes part in international bodies, trade deals and obligations. The Commissioner, working alongside Government, would be best suited to assist in the promotion of best practice in animal welfare internationally.

Thank you once again for contacting me and sharing your views. I assure you I will continue to follow this issue closely.

Yours sincerely,