Illegal mahogany trade
A High Court judge today refused to give permission for a judicial review of the Governments failure to seize illegal mahogany imports into the UK. Greenpeace is currently considering appealing the decision.
Reacting to the decision Greenpeace campaigner Andy Tait said " Today's decision is another example of why the current laws to stop illegal timber imports are pathetically inadequate and why they must be changed."
"Up to 60% of tropical rainforest timber entering the UK does so illegally. Yet, Customs and Excise claims it doesn't have the power to do anything about it. Last year Tony Blair said we can "trade without deforestation". These words are meaningless without tougher Government action".
"In this specific case the Brazilian Environment Agency have banned the trade in mahogany but still the Government washes its hands of the situation and does nothing to stop illegal mahogany timber coming into the UK"
Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255
