By Vincent Moss, Acting Political Editor
May 14, 2006

MINISTERS are to back a Europe-wide ban on the import of seal skins. The move comes after a Sunday Mirror investigation in March highlighted the horrific slaughter of thousands of seals during the annual cull in Canada.

It follows a public outcry over the killing of 325,000 pups for their meat and pelts from animal lovers, MPs and celebrities like Sir Paul McCartney and his wife Heather.

A senior Whitehall source said: "The view is that the continued import of seal products is untenable.

"Ministers think we should start work with European partners to stop imports."

Campaigners were delighted last night over the moves, but warned a Europe-wide ban could take years.

They called on the British Government to go it alone and push ahead with an import ban of seal skins to Britain which could be introduced quickly. Respect for Animals director Mark Glover said: "The cruelty and scale of the seal hunt in Canada means we need a ban as soon as possible."

At present only the import of skins of newborn seals is banned in Britain. Harp seals can be killed and imported to the EU when they shed their distinctive white coats - usually at just 12 days of age.