A Decade of Delay: Powerful Voices Unite in Parliament's Jubilee Room
Last week, the Anthony V Martin Foundation was honoured to attend an extraordinary event in the Houses of Parliament's historic Jubilee Room. The gathering, organised by Sir Roger Gale MP alongside Ruth Jones MP and Seamus Logan MP, brought together passionate advocates, celebrities, and conservationists to mark a sobering milestone: ten years since Cecil the Lion's brutal death – and still, the UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to ban trophy hunting imports.
An Evening of Powerful Testimonies
The atmosphere in the Jubilee Room was electric as a remarkable lineup of speakers took to the stage. Cecil the lion was shot and fatally wounded by an American trophy hunter who paid US$50,000 for the kill on 1 July 2015, sparking global outrage that reverberates to this day.
“Get On With It!”
The passion in the room was palpable. Chris Tarrant delivered what can only be described as a tour de force, cutting through political rhetoric with his trademark directness. His message to the government was unequivocal: "GET ON WITH IT!" His frustration was palpable, and it resonated deeply with everyone present.
Heather Mills brought her characteristic fire and no-holds-barred approach to the cause. Her colourful descriptions of what she would do to poachers if she could left the room in no doubt about her feelings – her raw emotion and unfiltered passion perfectly captured the anger many of us feel watching this barbaric trade continue year after year.
Dr. Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and conservationist, joined via video link from her travels, lending her unparalleled authority to the cause. Her decades of wildlife research and advocacy provided the scientific gravitas that underscored the urgency of the situation.
Eduardo Gonçalves, Founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, presented the stark realities of the ongoing slaughter. His organisation's tireless work has kept this issue in the spotlight, despite political inaction.
Christine MacSween, founder of LionAid, shared her expertise on the specific threats facing lion populations across Africa, painting a picture of species under siege.
Baroness Sue Hayman provided the parliamentary perspective, highlighting the political machinations that have stalled progress for far too long.
Each speaker brought their own unique perspective, but together they created a unified chorus of outrage, expertise, and determination that was truly inspiring to witness.
The Democratic Deficit
What struck us most profoundly was the speakers' unified message about the failure of our democratic system. The House of Commons voted UNANIMOUSLY in favour of a ban. But a small group of hunters in the House of Lords BLOCKED the bill from becoming law. This isn't democracy in action – it's democracy derailed.
The first was blocked by a group of pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords, despite securing government backing. The second fell when the 2024 general election was called. The pattern is clear: bureaucratic obstruction trumping public will.
Ten Years of Inaction
The timing of this event couldn't be more poignant.
The statistics are damning. It is now almost exactly 10 years since Cecil the Lion was killed by an American dentist. Yet despite the international uproar, the killing continues. Every delay means more magnificent animals dying for vanity.
Over the decade since Cecil was killed, the UK has declared hundreds of trophy imports, including 99 lion trophies.
The Bitter Truth
While the evening was undoubtedly inspiring – witnessing such passionate advocacy and cross-party support – there was an underlying sadness to the proceedings. The harsh reality is that none of us should have been there. In a functioning democracy, when the House of Commons votes unanimously for something, when public opinion is overwhelming, when the science is clear, and when the moral case is unassailable, action should follow swiftly.
Instead, we find ourselves a decade later, still pleading for basic decency.
Our Commitment Continues
At the Anthony V Martin Foundation, we remain incredibly proud to support Eduardo Gonçalves and his dedicated team at the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting. Their work is not just important – it's essential. We will continue to stand with them until the job is done.
This isn't about politics; it's about doing what's right. It's about honouring the memory of Cecil and the thousands of animals killed since his death. It's about proving that our democratic institutions can still serve the people's will.
The government has the power to end this barbaric trade tomorrow. The question is: will they finally find the courage to act?
Thank you again to Eduardo for inviting us - if you would like to support the campaign you can find more information here: https://bantrophyhunting.org/