Labour MP Ruth Jones has called for a complete ban on the import and sale of new fur products in the UK, reigniting debate around animal welfare and fashion ethics.

Although fur farming has been illegal in England and Wales since 2000, it remains legal to import and sell many types of fur. Jones, who represents Newport West and Islwyn, has introduced a Private Members' Bill in Parliament to address what she sees as a contradiction.

“Twenty years ago, a Labour government banned fur farming because it was cruel and inhumane,” said Jones. “If we believe it’s wrong to produce fur here, why are we still buying it from abroad?”

She described the conditions for animals on fur farms as “dreadful and inhumane” and argued that faux fur is a viable alternative.

Support and opposition

Animal welfare group Four Paws has backed the proposed legislation. Its UK director, Sonul Badiani-Hamment, recently delivered a petition with 1.5 million signatures to Downing Street in support of a fur-free Britain. “There’s no justification for the cruelty these animals face,” she said, noting that countries like Sweden are now phasing out fur farming entirely.

The British Fashion Council has also shown support for the campaign, reflecting broader changes within the fashion industry. “There are very few UK designers still working with fur,” Badiani-Hamment added. “It’s just not desirable.”

However, the proposal has met resistance. The British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) criticized the bill, calling it “unenforceable and unworkable,” and suggesting it may violate trade agreements with the EU and US. The BFTA accused Jones of acting like the “wardrobe police” and warned the ban could threaten thousands of British jobs.

“Fur remains popular,” the association said. “Many young people prefer it over oil-based fast fashion, which is often made under poor labor conditions.”

The role of vintage fur

Mel Kaplan, who runs the Vintage Fur Garden in London, said her business is booming—especially in winter. “There’s been a real resurgence in vintage fur,” she explained. “Young people are increasingly drawn to vintage clothing in general.”

Kaplan emphasized that all items in her shop date from the 1950s to the 1980s and are thoroughly vetted to ensure they are not newly produced. “Vintage fur is sustainable,” she added. “It’s made from natural materials and will biodegrade, unlike synthetic fabrics.”

Though she opposes the production and sale of new fur, Kaplan believes that repurposing existing garments is both ethical and environmentally responsible. “If it’s already been made, let it be worn,” she said.

Next steps

The second reading of Ruth Jones’ bill is scheduled for 4 July. Meanwhile, the UK government says it is gathering evidence to guide future action and plans to release an updated animal welfare strategy later this year. Photo by Guillaume Bolduc guibolduc, Wikimedia commons.