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North East MEP Fiona Hall votes to save baby seals

12.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th May 2009

North East Euro-MPs have voted in Strasbourg to introduce tough curbs on the sale anywhere in Europe of products made from seals.

The measures, which have cross-party support, are intended to halt the purchase of skins from seal pups killed in huge numbers in Canada.

More than 300,000 baby seals may be killed for their white pelts each year in what has been described as the largest slaughter of marine mammals on earth.

Pictures of the pups being clubbed to death, and allegations that some are skinned alive, have led to huge protests. Opinion polls suggest that a majority of Canadian citizens oppose the hunt.

The EU ban will hit Denmark and Italy most strongly, but is not expected to have major economic consequences. Seal products from traditional hunts by Inuit and indigenous communities in places like Greenland will still be permitted.

Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall said the EU was responding to public concerns.

"I have had hundreds of letters from people sickened by the sight of helpless baby seals being slaughtered on the ice.

"The ban now being introduced may be challenged by Canada, but the EU is right to act and take this initiative."

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Previous news story: MP slams "Highway Madness" sign removal (Tue 5th May 2009).
Next news story: Beith calls for more support for Thalidomide victims (Thu 7th May 2009).

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