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Labour MEPs welcome WTO decision on EU seal products ban

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sealThe World Trade Organization has confirmed the validity of the European Union regulation on the marketing of seals, meaning the importing and selling of seal products remains illegal within the EU.

David Martin MEP, Labour's spokesperson on international trade, said: "We applaud the WTO panel for recognising the European Union was well within its rights to ban the cruel products of the commercial sealing industry on the grounds of animal welfare."

"Canada and Norway's challenge to the EU ban on seal products was a cynical attack on our democratic processes and the moral values of EU citizens. This is the first time a WTO panel has acknowledged animal welfare is an issue of public morality, so it sets an important precedent for the future," added Martin, who is also the vice-president of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals. "While the main premise for the ban was supported by the WTO panel, the report shows there are still issues that need to be resolved to bring the legislation into full compliance with these international trade rules. We will fight to ensure any future amendment of the ban, which may be deemed necessary as a result, will guarantee our borders remain firmly shut to commercial seal products."

For more information, click here. @EuroLabour

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