A PROSPECTIVE Labour MP has pledged his support to the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s campaign to end wildlife poaching.

Mike Le-Surf, parliamentary candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock highlighted the issue during the Labour Party conference last week.

He believes the UK should continue to take the lead in the international community to stamp out wildlife crime.

Mr Le-Surf said: An elephant is killed every 15 minutes for its ivory. I am campaigning against this because of the unbelievable cruelty involved is these barbaric acts.”

The illegal wildlife trade generates an estimated £11.6 billion per year.

It ranks fourth on the list of the most lucrative global illegal activities behind narcotics, counterfeiting and human trafficking.

IFAW’s work to combat wildlife crime includes providing training and equipment to anti-poaching ranger units, training customs officials to identify and seize wildlife contraband, collaborating with law enforcement authorities to arrest and prosecute black market traders and working to reduce demand for these products throughout the world, particularly in China.

IFAW’s UK Campaigns Manager, Tania McCrea-Steele, said: “The impact of poaching and the illegal trade on wildlife is very grave and we are witnessing entire populations of iconic species such as elephants, tigers and rhinos being brought to the brink of extinction. We thank Mike Le-Surf for showing his commitment to stamping out wildlife crime.”