Weir Welcomes Japanese Decision to Suspend Whale Hunt

 

Mike Weir MP, SNP Environment Spokesperson at Westminster, has given a cautious welcome to the decision by the government of Japan to suspend the hunting of humpback whales in the Antarctic. The decision came after a storm of international criticism of Japan for ignoring a world wide ban on hunting of humpbacks.

 

Mr Weir, who adopted a female humpback named “Coda” as part of the campaign to end Japanese whaling, welcomed the decision but called on the Japanese Government to go much further.

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“The news that Japan has bowed to international pressure and ended the hunt is very welcome. I am especially pleased that “Coda” will be able to swim the seas without the danger of Japanese harpoons.

 

“This shows that the campaign is working and we must continue pressure on the Japanese Government to end the hunting of whales once and for all.

 

“These magnificent creatures are endangered and it is criminal to continue hunting for spurious “scientific” reasons. Worse still Japan has been putting pressure on small nations to join the International Whaling Council and support its moves to lift the worldwide ban.

 

“Although the suspension of hunting humpbacks is a step in the right direction, Japan still hunts other species. We must use this small step forward and press for the complete end to hunting these magnificent creatures.”

 

ENDS