Say No to the Wardrobe Police: Don’t Criminalise Millions of Fur Wearers
London, UK
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June 02, 2021 03:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time
The body that represents the fur sector in the UK has warned that the Government risks introducing measures in potentially outlawing the sale and wearing of fur that would see it effectively policing people’s wardrobes and criminalising millions of Brits who wear natural fur.
The warning comes following the launch of a call for evidence launched by the Environment Department, Defra, that seeks to understand the nature of the UK fur sector. The move could be seen as the first step to introducing measures that could restrict the import, sale or wearing of natural furs in the UK.
A Spokesman for the British Fur Trade Association said:
“If the Government decided to introduce restrictions on the sale or wearing on fur it would effectively be telling us what we could and could not wear and what we should have in our wardrobes. We would have the unpalatable prospect of the police checking whether the coat or hat that someone was wearing was real or fake. This is a step too far and is a draconian gross invasion of consumer choice. There is no support for ban on ethically produced fur in the UK and individuals should be free to make up their own minds.
“It is also clear that restrictions on fur would be the thin end of the wedge and would simply open the door for restrictions and bans on other animal products including wool, leather and silk as well as modern farming methods. Animal rights activists want to see an end to all use of all products or materials from animal entirely. Their views do not represent the majority of the people of this country.
"There are exacting standards and rules in place governing the fur sector, banning natural fur would therefore do nothing to improve standards in animal welfare and is a purely symbolic move pushed by animal rights activists. It would lead to thousands of job losses and closed businesses. It would also damage London as a global fashion hub with many designers and brands using fur and would be the start of a slippery slope to other restrictions on animal products including leather, wool and silk. Fur remains popular with sales increasing over the last decade, it is also a natural, sustainable material, far better for the environment than oil based non-synthetic fast fashions."
Contact Details
British Fur Trade Association
+44 7747 486479
