Manchester Withington MP strikes a 'whale tail' pose and calls for greater protection for whales

5.36.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Jun 2010

John Leech MP has shown his support for whales yesterday by striking a 'whale tail' pose with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), while hosting an event in Parliament to raise awareness of the issue.

Mr Leech is taking part in IFAW's 'Tails for Whales' online photo petition, which raises awareness of the need for greater whale protection. IFAW is encouraging people from all walks of life to be photographed making the whale tail hands symbol.

IFAW works year-round to protect whales from the many threats they face, in particular the imminent compromise deal due to be discussed at the next International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Agadir, Morocco, later this month. If passed, the deal would legitimise commercial whaling for the first time in more than 20 years.

Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said:

"We are very grateful to John Leech for showing his support for whales at such a critical time. IFAW opposes commercial or so-called 'scientific' whaling because it is cruel and unnecessary and we believe these magnificent and intelligent creatures should be protected for future generations to enjoy."

John Leech said:

"I am pleased to be taking part in 'Tails for Whales'. Whales face more threats today than ever before and this project sends out a positive message that we should all be working to protect the ban on whaling and safeguard whale populations. I encourage my constituents to take part by submitting their photos for inclusion."

The aim is to collect as many of these positive images as possible on the website, particularly in the run-up to the next meeting of the IWC, to urge all member countries to use their votes to protect, not weaken, the worldwide ban on commercial whaling.

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Notes to Editors:

1. Despite a worldwide ban on commercial whaling coming into effect in 1986, more than 30,000 whales have been killed for commercial reasons since that time.

2. Whale tail images can be uploaded to the website www.tailsforwhales.org (JPEG format, minimum 1024x768pix).

3. Attached photo of John Leech MP making a "whale tail" pose".