Labour MEPs call for action on wildlife crime

Labour MEPs have supported calls for action to tackle the global trade in illegal wildlife products. The European Parliament voted on 15 January on a resolution demanding that more is done to combat an industry that is worth $19 billion per year and is now the fourth most lucrative illegal activity after drugs, counterfeit goods and human trafficking.

The resolution calls for co-ordinated action at both a European and international level and for national governments to ensure law enforcement have the capacity and resources to properly enforce existing laws.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "Trafficking in wildlife products such as ivory is on the rise, and the EU is both a major transit hub and one of the foremost destinations for these items.

"It is estimated the 30-40,000 elephants are killed per year by illegal poachers and if we don't take urgent action to reduce demand and punish those involved we could see huge damage to biodiversity."

MEPs also want to see tougher sanctions in place for people involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products, which has been linked to drug trafficking and money laundering and is thought to be a source of funding for some rebel militant groups.

Willmott added: "This isn't just about protecting endangered species. Trafficking of wildlife products is a very lucrative industry and there is evidence it is being used to finance criminal networks, armed groups in conflict zones, and terrorism.

"With products such as rhino horn worth more than gold in some parts of the world, the cost of getting caught must be high so that penalties really do act as a deterrent."

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