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Written question asked by Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Cetaceans: Faroe Islands

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications of Faroese cetacean hunting for (a) international marine conservation and (b) biodiversity agreements.

Answer

We remain committed to meeting our international obligations and continue to have concerns about the welfare and sustainability of these hunts.

In December 2025 we published the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy with devolved governments. This includes species hunted in the Faroe Islands and aims to improve the conservation status of cetaceans in UK waters.

UK ministers and officials consistently call for an end to cetacean hunts in the Faroe Islands. As Chair of the International Whaling Commission’s Conservation Committee and Intersessional Working Group on Welfare, the UK promotes stronger protection and improved welfare for small cetaceans.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
125562
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Cetaceans Hunting Faroe Islands
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk