The UK Foreign Office stands accused of undermining international conservation efforts after a Greenpeace investigation revealed officials advised on how to circumvent global rules protecting endangered shark species.
According to unearthed documents, a Foreign Office official provided guidance to a Colombian counterpart on methods to avoid scrutiny under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates the lucrative shark fin trade.
‘Deeply Concerning’ Revelations Prompt Political Backlash
Labour's shadow minister Seema Malhotra has condemned the actions as "deeply concerning" and has demanded an immediate government investigation into the allegations. The revelations have sparked outrage among conservation groups and politicians alike.
"This is a scandalous betrayal of our environmental commitments," Malhotra stated. "The government must explain why its officials appear to be facilitating rather than preventing the trade in endangered species."
Greenpeace Exposes Shocking Guidance
The investigation, conducted by Greenpeace's Unearthed team, uncovered that a senior official from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) suggested methods to bypass CITES regulations during a meeting with Colombian fisheries representatives.
The official allegedly advised that certain shark fins could be traded without CITES permits if they were processed or turned into products like dried fins before export—a potential loophole in the international protection framework.
Government Response and Conservation Impact
The FCDO has acknowledged the meeting took place but claims the official was merely providing "general advice" on CITES implementation. However, conservation experts argue such guidance directly contradicts the UK's professed leadership role in marine conservation.
Shark finning is particularly brutal practice where fins are sliced from live sharks before the animals are discarded back into the ocean to die. The global trade has pushed numerous shark species to the brink of extinction.
This controversy emerges as world governments prepare for critical biodiversity talks, raising serious questions about the UK's commitment to protecting endangered species despite its public environmental pledges.
