EASTLEIGH MP Chris Huhne is backing a Commons campaign to ban imports of all products which have been produced as a result of seal hunts in Canada.

Mr Huhne, pictured, said: "It is extraordinary that in this day and age we still condone cruel commercial hunting by allowing the sale of seal products in Britain.

"The sheer number of animals killed each year is astonishing and we should not pretend they die without suffering.

"There is strong evidence to suggest that more than 40 per cent of seals are still alive when they are skinned.

"Britain should lead the international community in condemning the practice of clubbing and skinning.

"If the Canadian cull has to continue we must secure guarantees that it will be carried out humanely."

Mr Huhne added: "I urge the government to back this proposal and send a clear signal to the Canadian government that we will not tolerate this unnecessary cruelty."