Thank you for contacting me about EDM 929 regarding the use of faux fur. I do not sign Early Day Motions as I have not found them to be an effective means of achieving change.
I am also grateful to constituent's who have contacted me about PETA's reception about faux fur on Monday the 25th of April, which I am unable to attend due to prior commitments.
The Ministry of Defence conducted tests on a fake fur fabric commissioned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals as a potential alternative to the existing bear pelts used to make the Queen’s Guard’s ceremonial caps.
This material was assessed against five requirements and, as I understand it, while it met the basic standard for water absorption, it showed unacceptable rates of water shedding and performed poorly on visual assessment.
Sadly, as the man-made fur did not meet the standards required for a ceremonial cap which is worn throughout the year and in all weathers, the Ministry of Defence has no plans to take this man-made fabric forward.
I can, however, confirm that the bearskin used is from licenced culls in Canada to manage the wild bear population, so they are never just killed for their fur.
Thank you again for contacting me.
