Demand the UK Government to Cancel the Trade Deals with the Whale and Dolphin Killing Nations of Faroe Islands and Iceland 

 

 

 

 

Why this petition matters 
Every year, the barbaric practice known as the grindadráp in the Faroe Islands slaughters, on average, 1,100 dolphins each year whilst in Iceland a new permit has recently been granted allowing commercial fin whaling to continue. 
The outdated and cruel practices of deliberately killing dolphins and whales continue despite widespread international condemnation and the UK government’s commitment to marine conservation. Far from joining the world in protecting whales and dolphins, the Faroes and Iceland are pushing for more to be killed under the guise of utilising marine resources. 
Together, through economic pressure, we can end the senseless slaughter and ensure a future where dolphins and whales are protected. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why This Matters:

The UK government has pledged to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 and has supported the UN Ocean Treaty. Whales and dolphins play a vital and scientifically proven role in keeping the ocean healthy: More whales and dolphins = increased ocean productivity and helps us battle climate change.  

Allowing the grindadráp and commercial whaling to continue contradicts these commitments, whilst encouraging free trade with these nations ignores the ethical and ecological responsibilities of the United Kingdom. 
The governments of Faroes and Iceland have shown they are not willing to end the killing on the grounds of animal welfare or international condemnation and the time has come to show that the UK can and will go further, applying economic pressure to these nations in order to bring the killing to an end.  

The dolphins slaughtered during the Faroese driven hunts experience immeasurable pain and suffering, left to bleed out and die, having had their spinal column severed with a crude lance and their neck slit.  A recent survey of 2,000 people in Britain revealed that 70% oppose the grindadráp under the guise of tradition, and nearly 90% view it as barbaric. 

Meantime, Iceland has just granted a new permit for whaling. Expert opinions have confirmed to Icelandic authorities that is not possible to kill large whales humanely and yet a quota for 129 fin whales has been issued, allowing this cruel practise to continue despite the lack of demand for fin whale within Iceland and reduced demand for the meat and blubber where 98% is exported. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Issue: 

The approach of governments to ‘lodge a protest’ about whaling practises before the main agenda of a meeting is addressed is ineffective and has failed to lead to change.  Yet the United Kingdom has signed upto free trade agreements with each of these nations since exiting the European Union and each of these trade deals overwhelmingly benefits the whaling nation – not the UK.  
The Faroe Islands benefit significantly from trade with the UK, with a trade deal worth £1.1 billion to the Faroes and just £33 million to the UK. Iceland is also the greater beneficiary in their free trade agreement with the UK, worth £1.0 billion to Iceland and £963 million to the UK.  
These unequal trade deals are propping up the economies of whaling nations –and every item imported sends a message to the Faroes and Iceland that the UK will turn a blind eye to the deliberate killing of dolphins and whales. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Call to Action:

We urge the incoming UK government to leverage its trade agreements and use economic pressure to insist on a ban on the grindadráp and commercial whaling. We demand that the incoming UK government give notice to cancel its current trade agreements with the Faroes and Iceland and insist on a ban of the grindadráp and whaling as a condition of any future trade agreement with these nations. 
LAs a leading nation committed to marine protection, the UK has a moral responsibility and the international standing to effect change and protect these intelligent and sentient beings. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Need Your Help:

Sign this petition to demand that the incoming UK government, the House of Commons cancel its current trade agreement and insist on a ban of the grindadráp as a condition of any future trade agreement with the Faroe Islands. 

Together, we can end this senseless slaughter and ensure a future where dolphins and whales are protected.

Sign and share this petition today. Let’s make a difference.

By signing this petition, you are adding your voice to the growing wave of support calling for an end to the grindadráp. Help us protect marine life and hold the Faroe Islands accountable. Your signature can make a difference.

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