Dame Judi Dench has joined forces with singer Leona Lewis and comedian Ricky Gervais to demand that Iceland end commercial whaling, following the killing of at least 18 fin whales this season. In a letter to Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir, the celebrities expressed their “deep sadness” at the resumption of the hunt and called for a permanent ban.
Celebrities Sign Letter to Icelandic Minister
The letter, organised by the animal charity Humane World for Animals, was signed by the three British stars. They urged Minister Friðriksdóttir to “turn the page” on whaling and instead promote Iceland as a world-leading destination for whale-watching tourism. The group highlighted that the meat from hunted whales has “virtually no viable market,” making the practice both cruel and economically unsustainable.
According to Humane World for Animals, at least 18 fin whales have been killed so far this season. The charity reported that one pregnant female and her unborn calf were among the victims. Another whale was shot four times with “exploding harpoons” and took 31 minutes to die, sparking outrage among conservationists.
Iceland’s Whaling Controversy
Iceland remains one of only three nations—alongside Norway and Japan—that openly permit commercial whaling. The practice has drawn international criticism, with many calling for a shift toward whale-watching tourism, which generates significant revenue without harming marine life.
In their letter, the celebrities wrote: “We stand with the very many people across Iceland who do not want to see this whale slaughter continue, who want to begin a new chapter in Iceland’s relationship with whales, one built on respect, compassion and fealty for nature.” They added: “When you recently pledged to introduce a bill to ban commercial whaling in Iceland, the world cheered you on. Please let these be the last whales to die in Iceland’s hunt.”
Growing Pressure for a Ban
The call for a ban comes amid increasing global pressure on Iceland to end whaling. The country’s own polls have shown that a majority of Icelanders oppose the practice. Activists argue that whale-watching tourism offers a more profitable and ethical alternative, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Humane World for Animals continues to campaign for an end to commercial whaling, urging the Icelandic government to follow through on its pledge to introduce legislation banning the hunt. The charity has documented numerous cases of cruelty, including prolonged deaths and the killing of pregnant females, which have galvanised public opinion against the industry.
