MEP's vote to save the seals...in Canada

Rochdale Euro-MPs today voted to save baby seals in Canada.

The cross-party supported measures are intended to halt the purchase of skins from seal pups.

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 Chris Davies 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, and the same is true of politicians everywhere.

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