Andy Burnham has been urged by celebrities including Ricky Gervais and Dame Joanna Lumley to deliver on Labour’s manifesto pledge to ban trophy hunting imports. The stars, including actress Dame Judi Dench and ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, have shared a video message to the new Prime Minister with the plea.

They call on him to follow through with Labour’s 2024 promise to stop British hunters bringing body parts from animals killed abroad back to Britain as grisly souvenirs. In the message, they said: “Dear Andy Burnham, we know you’ve got an awful lot on your mind, but we’d like to ask you one thing that will go down very well with the British public.

“Trophy hunting is cruel, archaic, and cowardly. Right now, British hunters are killing lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes just for fun.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham (Image: Getty)

“At the 2024 general election, Labour made a manifesto commitment to stop trophy hunters bringing back their trophies.

“A ban on hunting trophies is supported by 92% of the British people. It’s supported by the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and almost every other party in Parliament.

“Let’s get animal trophies banned now. It’s a no-brainer. Let’s ban trophy hunting now.”

Other celebrities who took part in the video include actors Charles Dance, Peter Egan, Brian Blessed and Dawn French, broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh and rugby player Jonny Wilkinson.

Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, said: “The delay is just baffling. The bill is literally sitting on the minister’s desk. MPs are getting angry at being fobbed off every time they ask when the government plans to bring the bill to parliament.

“Wildlife conservationists are beyond exasperated. Even the French – hardly known for their animal welfare record – have just banned hunting trophies. We’re supposed to be a nation of animal-lovers. Voters feel increasingly betrayed by this government over its broken promises.

“Britain now has weaker laws on trophy hunting than the US under Donald Trump. American hunters are banned from bringing Cheetahs and Polar bears home.

“They’re also banned from bringing back ‘canned’ lions that have bred in cages and shot in enclosed fields. British hunters can still do it, though. It’s an utter disgrace. Ministers should hang their heads in shame.”

Labour MP Clive Efford is leading a debate in Parliament on trophy hunting on Wednesday, which he said is an “opportunity to get an explanation from the government as to what they intend to do to bring to an end the imports of hunting trophies on big game”.

He said: “This is a tiny minority of people who totally lack any compassion, complete idiots, who feel that this is some kind of sport when it’s incredulous to me that they can consider it sport when the other side of the sport doesn’t even know the sport’s taking place.”

A YouGov poll in 2024 found that 92% of Britons said trophy hunting is unacceptable, with just 4% saying it was acceptable.

A Defra spokesperson said: “We remain firmly committed to banning the import of hunting trophies from vulnerable species. We will change the law as soon as parliamentary time allows.”

Andy Burnham Urged by Ricky Gervais and Joanna Lumley to Ban Trophy Hunting Imports

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing pressure from some of Britain’s most recognisable celebrities to deliver Labour’s long-standing promise to ban the import of hunting trophies. Famous personalities, including comedian Ricky Gervais, actress Dame Joanna Lumley and Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench, have joined forces to demand urgent government action against the controversial practice. Their intervention has reignited a national debate about animal cruelty, wildlife conservation and the government’s failure to fulfil an important election commitment. With growing frustration among animal welfare campaigners and MPs, Burnham is being urged to stop delaying and introduce legislation that would prevent British hunters from bringing body parts of endangered animals back into the country.

The celebrities have delivered a direct message to the Prime Minister, reminding him that Labour promised to ban trophy hunting imports in its 2024 general election manifesto. Their appeal focuses on the killing of magnificent wild animals, including lions, elephants, leopards and giraffes, simply so wealthy hunters can keep their body parts as souvenirs. They argue that such activities are cruel, outdated and completely incompatible with Britain’s reputation as a country that cares about animal welfare.

Ricky Gervais has become one of the most outspoken celebrity critics of trophy hunting. The comedian has repeatedly used his public platform to highlight animal cruelty and challenge people who kill endangered wildlife for entertainment. He believes that there is no justification for travelling thousands of miles to shoot magnificent animals simply to display their heads, skins or other body parts. His involvement has helped bring the campaign to a much wider audience, particularly among younger people who follow his work and share his concerns about animal protection.

Dame Joanna Lumley has also joined the campaign, adding her voice to calls for the government to take immediate action. Known for her long-standing support for humanitarian and animal welfare causes, Lumley believes Britain should demonstrate stronger leadership in protecting endangered species. She and the other celebrities have called on Burnham to honour Labour’s manifesto commitment rather than allowing the issue to become another unfulfilled political promise.

Their message has received support from other well-known personalities, including Lorraine Kelly, Charles Dance, Peter Egan, Brian Blessed, Dawn French, Alan Titchmarsh and former rugby international Jonny Wilkinson. The involvement of such a broad group of public figures demonstrates how the issue has attracted attention beyond traditional environmental campaigning organisations.

The campaigners have also highlighted public opinion. A YouGov survey conducted in 2024 found that 92 per cent of British respondents considered trophy hunting unacceptable, while only four per cent regarded it as acceptable. This overwhelming opposition has strengthened arguments that the government has little political reason to delay introducing a ban.

At the centre of the controversy is Labour’s manifesto promise to stop British hunters importing trophies from animals killed overseas. Supporters expected the government to introduce legislation after taking office, particularly because similar proposals had previously received considerable parliamentary support. However, despite repeated assurances from ministers, the promised ban has not yet become law.

The issue was brought back into the parliamentary spotlight during a Westminster Hall debate on November 11, 2026. Labour MP Clive Efford led the discussion, arguing that the government needed to stop delaying legislation and honour its commitment. He warned that the UK continued to issue permits allowing hunting trophies to enter the country and questioned why a measure with such broad political support had not been introduced.

Several MPs from different political parties expressed frustration about the government’s lack of progress. They argued that the proposed legislation should be a relatively straightforward way to demonstrate Britain’s commitment to international wildlife protection. The debate also highlighted the fact that animal welfare is one of the rare political issues where representatives from different parties can find considerable common ground.

One of the most important arguments concerns the impact of trophy hunting on endangered species. Hunters frequently target large and impressive animals because their body parts are considered valuable trophies. Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and giraffes have all been affected by international hunting activities. Conservation organisations warn that removing mature animals from already vulnerable populations can have serious consequences for breeding patterns, genetic diversity and the stability of wildlife groups.

The campaign has also challenged the argument that trophy hunting necessarily supports conservation. Supporters of the hunting industry often claim that money generated through hunting permits can finance wildlife protection and provide income for rural communities. However, opponents argue that these benefits are frequently exaggerated and that the economic advantages do not justify the killing of threatened animals.

They also point to photographic tourism as an alternative. Visitors travelling to African countries to observe elephants, lions, giraffes and other wildlife can support local businesses without requiring animals to be killed. Safari tourism, accommodation, transport and conservation activities can provide employment opportunities while allowing wildlife populations to remain alive and attract future visitors.

Nevertheless, the debate is more complicated than simply banning the import of animal trophies. Some communities in countries where hunting takes place argue that carefully regulated hunting generates revenue for conservation programmes and provides financial incentives to protect wildlife habitats. They fear that an import ban could reduce income for certain rural communities and make wildlife conservation more difficult.

The British government has acknowledged these concerns. During the November 11 parliamentary debate, Environment Minister Jenny Riddell-Carpenter reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to introducing a ban on hunting trophies from species of conservation concern. However, she refused to provide a specific date, explaining that the legislation would be introduced when parliamentary time allowed.

Her response disappointed several MPs who had hoped for a clearer timetable. Labour representatives argued that the government had already spent considerable time examining the issue and that another delay was unnecessary. Some called for an immediate moratorium on the issuing of import licences while legislation was being prepared.

However, the minister explained that the government did not currently have the necessary legal powers to introduce such a moratorium without primary legislation. She insisted that ministers wanted to produce a robust and enforceable law that would achieve meaningful conservation benefits.

This explanation has done little to satisfy campaigners. Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, has described the continuing delay as baffling. He believes the government already has sufficient information to introduce legislation and should not allow further administrative discussions to postpone action.

Another concern is that Britain risks falling behind other countries. Several European nations have introduced restrictions on trophy imports, reflecting growing international opposition to the practice. Campaigners argue that the UK should be setting an example rather than allowing endangered animal parts to continue entering the country.

The controversy also creates a political challenge for Andy Burnham. Labour entered government promising to strengthen environmental protection and improve animal welfare standards. Failure to deliver a popular manifesto commitment could damage the party’s credibility, particularly among voters who expect ministers to translate campaign promises into practical legislation.

Opposition politicians may also use the issue to question the government’s priorities. If ministers can find parliamentary time for complicated economic and political reforms, campaigners argue, they should also be able to make room for legislation protecting endangered wildlife. The fact that the proposal enjoys support across much of Parliament makes the continuing delay even more difficult to explain.

For Burnham, the celebrity intervention presents an opportunity as well as a challenge. Acting quickly could demonstrate that his government is prepared to listen to public concerns and deliver meaningful environmental reforms. However, any legislation must also take account of international conservation evidence and the interests of communities in countries affected by hunting restrictions.

Ultimately, the government must decide whether it is prepared to turn its promises into action. British hunters should not be able to assume that animals killed overseas can automatically be brought home as decorative trophies. A comprehensive import ban would send a strong message that the UK does not want to contribute to the international trade in body parts from endangered wildlife.

In conclusion, the intervention by Ricky Gervais, Joanna Lumley and other prominent celebrities has placed renewed pressure on Andy Burnham to fulfil Labour’s promise to ban trophy hunting imports. Their campaign has highlighted the cruelty associated with the practice and the urgent need to protect vulnerable wildlife. Although the government insists that it remains committed to legislation, continued delays are damaging public confidence and frustrating MPs from across the political spectrum. Britain now has an opportunity to demonstrate genuine leadership in animal welfare and conservation. The public has made its position clear, campaigners have presented their arguments and Parliament has debated the issue repeatedly. What is needed now is decisive political action. Andy Burnham must demonstrate that his government’s promises mean something and that protecting endangered animals is more important than allowing a wealthy minority to bring home gruesome souvenirs from their hunting trips.