Dear [MP NAME],

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I am writing as a concerned constituent to express my opposition to the continued use of real bear fur in the ceremonial caps worn by the King's Guard and other Foot Guards of the Household Division.

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The bearskin caps are made using the fur of Canadian black bears. The Ministry of Defence has stated that the pelts it purchases are sourced from Canada and are by-products of legal and licensed hunts. However, I believe that the continued use of real animal fur for ceremonial purposes is unnecessary when the UK should be seeking effective alternatives.

 

I understand that the Ministry of Defence is committed to replacing natural fur with human-made materials where a suitable, safe, affordable and sustainable alternative is available. However, the Government has confirmed that it has not yet identified a synthetic alternative that meets the standards required for the ceremonial bearskin caps.

 

I believe that greater effort should be made to identify and develop a suitable faux-fur alternative. The continued use of real bear fur for ceremonial headwear should not be necessary simply because a suitable replacement has not yet been identified.

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I therefore urge you to raise this issue with the relevant Minister and ask what further steps the Government is taking to develop and introduce a suitable synthetic alternative to bearskin.

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I would also be grateful if you could support efforts within Parliament to encourage the Ministry of Defence to accelerate its work on an effective faux-fur alternative and ultimately end the use of real bear fur in ceremonial military caps.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I look forward to hearing your views on this issue.

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Kind regards,

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR CONSTITUENCY]