Ban on bearskin caps for Queen's Guards to be debated by MPs

Exclusive:

Westminster showdown set for July 11 after over 106,000 people sign online petition

Activists want to ban real fur from the famous caps (

Image: NurPhoto/PA images

A ban on bearskin caps for the Queen's Guards will finally be debated in Parliament next week.

Activists, led by Britain's Got Talent judge, Alesha Dixon, demanded to block the MoD's use of real fur for the famous ceremonial headgear.

The Westminster showdown is set for July 11 after more than 106,000 people signed an online petition.

He said: "The Department of Defense has no excuse to continue to effectively fund bear culling for ceremonial headgear, as an indistinguishable alternative has been produced which is waterproof and mimics real bear fur in appearance and performance.”

Peta insisted that the faux fur she developed with Ecopel specialists "looks and works just like the bearskin used to make Queen's Guards beanies".

Alesha Dixon supports a ban (

Picture:

ITV)

He adds, "Faux fur fabric meets all Department of Defense requirements: it is the exact length of real bear fur, is 100% waterproof, and performs the same in extreme weather. water loss and compression tests.

"It even outperforms bear fur in drying speed tests."

Activists want faux fur to replace the iconic caps seen on state occasions and worn by sentry troops guarding royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, St James' Palace and Clarence House.

The campaign, led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, was co-sponsored by Virginia Lewis-Jones, daughter of the late Dame Vera Lynn, and former soldier Andy Knott, general manager of the League Against Cruel Sports, as well as singer Alehsa.