Replacing bearskin pelts with artificial fur headwear presents a 'health risk' to soldiers, leaked letter claims
Replacing bearskin pelts with artificial fur headwear presents a “health risk” to soldiers, a leaked Army letter has revealed.
Amid reports the Government is planning to ban fur sales post Brexit, the Army currently has “no plans” to replace the ceremonial headdress after recent tests found faux alternatives took on too much water.
The Army Secretariat set out its position in a letter to Giles Roca, chief executive of the British Fur Trade Association (BFTA), seen by The Telegraph.
Describing how trials of fake fur hats took place both in 2014, and more recently, with little success, the letter reads: “The MoD did conduct trials of a synthetic alternative in 2014.
“The conclusion of the trials was that the faux alternative did not reach the standards needed to provide an effective replacement to bearskin pelts.
“The synthetic showed an unacceptable rate of water absorption which would lead to caps becoming waterlogged and heavy, not only presenting a health risk to the soldiers but also causing the caps to lose their appearance.
“Tests have been undertaken more recently on emerging synthetics but these issues remain unresolved. The results of these tests mean that the sustainability of these fabrics has not been a consideration, but it certainly would be a factor were this to change.”
Confirming that “there are currently no plans to replace the bearskin pelts used in ceremonial headdress”, the letter, dated December 19, 2019, adds: “The bearskin cap is an iconic image of Britain. Guardsmen take great pride in wearing this unique item and ensuring it remains both practical and smart is vital.
“The bearskin pelts used by the MoD are made available to our supplier by Canadian authorities, as part of a necessary licenced cull to manage the wild bear population.”
No change in position
An Army Spokesperson said its position had not changed on the matter, adding: “The bearskin cap is an iconic image of Britain. Guardsmen take great pride in wearing this unique item and ensuring it remains both practical and smart is vital. Currently, only real bearskin can do this; there are no suitable alternatives.”
It emerged after the Daily Telegraph reported last week that the Government plans to launch a consultation into banning fur sales once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.
It follows pressure from Tory figures including the Prime Minister’s fiancé Carrie Symonds and Lord Goldsmith, the animal welfare minister. Earlier this month Mr Goldsmith spoke at an event calling for a “fur free Britain” after holding a “productive” meeting with the animal rights campaigners Humane Society International, in May.
Ms Symonds, who has previously demonstrated against whaling and the badger cull, tweeted last September that people who wear fur were “sick” and that clothes brands were “nuts” to sell it.
In July 2019, Lord Goldsmith said: “Brexit could give us the opportunity to close our borders to this grotesque and unnecessary trade.”
Fur farming was banned in 2003 but the UK still allows the product to be imported from overseas. France is one of the biggest suppliers, along with Denmark, Finland, USA, Italy, Poland and Canada.
A ban would affect imports of almost £200 million of fur and fur-based products every year, many of which come from the European Union.
