Should the Queen’s Guard bearskins be changed to faux fur?

A petition relating to the use of real bearskin hats by the Queen's Guards has been debated in Parliament.

The Government was urged by opposition MPs to stop “funding the suffering” of bears and end its involvement with the “barbaric” killing of the animals to make ceremonial bearskin caps for the Queen’s Guard.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) disputed assertions that there is currently a viable alternative, saying the bears are never hunted to order and are procured after licensed culls in Canada.

The Westminster Hall debate was opened by SNP MP Martyn Day in response to a petition, which received more than 106,000 signatures, to replace the bearskins used by the Queen’s Guard with a faux fur alternative.

The MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk said: “It seems undeniable… that by continuing to purchase hats made from the fur of black bears the MoD is funding the suffering of bears in Canada.”

“Instead of giving deference to tradition, we ought to acknowledge that society and attitudes have moved on, technology has moved on.”

He said “at least one bear is killed to produce a single cap” and asked the Government “to find a solution which ends its involvement with cruel, barbaric practices towards bears”.

He and other MPs described how the Canadian government licenses hunting of black bears, with Mr Day saying “this hunting involves violent killing of bears”.

“In some provinces the use of the bow and arrow is permitted, leading to a slow and painful death for those poor animals,” he said.

Defence minister Jeremy Quin said: “We are not wedded to the material used. We are wedded to this iconic symbol for the British Army. If there is an alternative that works, that will be taken very seriously.”

The MoD acquired 107 bearskins in 2020 and 31 in 2021, he said, adding the MoD is “sparing in the acquisitions we make”.

The MoD says bears are never hunted to order for its use, and Mr Quin said: “The pelts required are by-products of what are legal and licensed hunts, authorised in Canada by provincial and territorial governments.”

“Where a suitable, affordable and sustainable alternative to animal products exists, these will be used,” he added.

Do you think that the use of bearskin in 2022 is antiquated and society has moved on? Or do you believe that we shouldn’t mess with tradition and if the caps are a by-product of licensed hunts then it’s fine to use them?