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Written question asked by Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 March 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dolphins and Whales: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of taking steps to help protect animals from the grindadrap.

Answer

The UK strongly opposes the hunting of all cetaceans other than some limited activities by indigenous people for clearly defined subsistence needs. Cessation of the grindadrap, or “The Grind” would be a positive step in improving the conservation and resilience of these cetacean populations.

The UK will maintain its strong support for the global moratorium on commercial whaling at this year’s International Whaling Commission (IWC70) meeting. UK Ministers and officials also continue to highlight our strong opposition to the practice at every appropriate opportunity, including during formal UK-Faroe Islands bilateral fisheries negotiations in November 2025, and through our diplomatic channels with the Faroese Representation in London.

The UK will continue to advocate for the end of cetacean hunts in the Faroe Islands at every appropriate opportunity. The Faroese Government is in no doubt as to the strength of feeling and opposition in the UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116251
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Animal welfare Hunting Dolphins Whales
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk