BURNLEY MP Gordon Birtwistle has backed a campaign to protect elephants.

He has pledged his support for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s campaign against the ivory trade.

Mr Birtwistle attended IFAW’s ‘Dying for Ivory’ event at the House of Commons in April.

He said: “I was dismayed to learn that elephant poaching is on the rise and that vulnerable populations of these animals are being killed at an alarming rate, largely to meet China’s growing demand for ivory.

“I fully support IFAW’s campaign to protect elephants from the ivory trade, and urge my constituents to lend their support too.

“I will also be contacting colleagues at DEFRA to enquire into what steps the Government is taking to stop the worldwide trade in elephant ivory”.

He has pledged his support for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s campaign against the ivory trade.

Mr Birtwistle attended IFAW’s ‘Dying for Ivory’ event at the House of Commons in April.

He said: “I was dismayed to learn that elephant poaching is on the rise and that vulnerable populations of these animals are being killed at an alarming rate, largely to meet China’s growing demand for ivory.

“I fully support IFAW’s campaign to protect elephants from the ivory trade, and urge my constituents to lend their support too.

“I will also be contacting colleagues at DEFRA to enquire into what steps the Government is taking to stop the worldwide trade in elephant ivory”.