Six African countries warn against banning British game hunters from bringing home souvenir heads

Banning British game hunters from bringing home souvenir heads and pelts will undermine crucial revenue streams and promote a ‘beggar-like dependency on aid’, six African nations have warned.

The House of Lords will today debate the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which aims to strengthen the conservation of endangered species.

But last night the high commissioners of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe warned the legislation might not discourage hunting. 

They also argued it would instead remove incentives for locals to protect animals from poachers.

In a letter to The Times, they continued: ‘The British Government has proposed that southern African countries that do lose hunting revenue should apply for UK grant money and aid funding. 

‘However, promoting a beggar-like dependency on aid is a 19th century solution to a 21st century problem.’ 

Meanwhile this week 103 experts and officials from across Africa wrote to peers urging them to back the ban.