Meaning of “ivory”

Part of Supply and Appropriation (Main Estimates) (No. 2) Bill – in the House of Commons at 5:38 pm on 4 July 2018.

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Photo of Sir David Amess Sir David Amess Conservative, Southend West 5:38, 4 July 2018

I rise to speak in support of the Bill’s Third Reading. This is a day of celebration for all animals that have horns.

I detected a slight bit of grandstanding about who should take credit for this Bill—I understand all that. Sue Hayman shared with the House the details of the terrible attack on Bella the rhino, and I absolutely understood the point that she was making. For my part, I could not care less who gets credit for the Bill; I am just delighted that it is happening. I think that the credit goes to all the women and men who have not just come to the party now, but have been campaigning on this issue year in, year out. They are the ones who should be congratulated.

I know that I am speaking in the House at the moment, where we sit opposite one another, but may I congratulate my Government, and particularly the Secretary of State, for at long last dealing with this issue and achieving something? The hon. Member for Workington tabled amendments to the Bill but, having worked it out, I think that following the consultation we can deal with the whole process within a year, which is quicker than would be the case under the Opposition’s approach. Our Australian neighbours, who are not in the World cup, are following our lead on this matter, and the Government’s plan to launch the Ivory Alliance 2024 will share our position further with other countries throughout the world. This is a great day for Parliament and a great day for the animal kingdom.