Carrie Symonds today revealed she has signed a petition calling for an end to wet markets across the world.
The Prime Minister’s pregnant fiancée, who was forced to self-isolate after contracting coronavirus, took to social media to share the ‘End the Trade’ petition.
The 32-year-old wrote: ‘Have signed this petition calling for an end to the global wildlife trade once and for all. Please do consider doing the same.
‘This crisis gives us the chance to start doing things better. Let this be one of those things.’
The Prime Minister’s pregnant fiancee, who was forced to self-isolate after contracting coronavirus, took to social media to share the ‘End the Trade’ petition
The 32-year-old wrote: ‘Have signed this petition calling for an end to the global wildlife trade once and for all. Please do consider doing the same’
Miss Symonds joins more than 22,000 people who have put their signatures to the petition.
Earlier this month, Miss Symonds, who is expecting their baby in early summer, revealed she had to separate from Boris Johnson after they both caught the virus
She later admitted there had been ‘very dark’ times as Boris battled coronavirus in hospital.
On April 12, the couple were pictured together in the back of a car heading for Chequers with their dog Dilyn.
Earlier this month, more than 200 wildlife groups worldwide issued a call in an open letter, urging countries to shut down wild animal markets such as the one in China where coronavirus is believed to have started.
In their letter to the World Health Organisation, they argued the move would stop future pandemics.
Miss Symonds joins more than 22,000 people who have put their signatures to the petition
Earlier this month, more than 200 wildlife groups worldwide issued a call in an open letter, urging countries to shut down wild animal markets such as the one in China where coronavirus is believed to have started
On another day in coronavirus news:
- Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves accused the Government of ignoring offers from British manufacturers to fill the gap.
- Dentists and anaesthetists became the latest groups to warn that they are working without adequate PPE.
- Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, warned that the NHS’s supply of face masks could be jeopardised if the Government begins advising the public to wear them, saying ‘clear evidence’ would be needed before advice was changed.
- The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, Sage, which advises the Government, will reportedly consider the evidence at a meeting today.
- Manjeet Riyat, the first Sikh to work as an A&E consultant in the UK, was named among the latest healthcare workers to die after contracting Covid-19.
The evidence suggests Covid-19 has animal origins, most likely from bats, and may have come from a ‘wet market’ – where live and dead creatures are sold for eating – in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Other pandemics, including Sars and Ebola, have also been linked to viruses spreading from animals to people.
Dr Mark Jones, head of policy at Born Free, one of the charities involved, said: ‘Once Covid-19 is behind us, returning to business as usual cannot be an option.
‘We need to dig deep and reset our fundamental relationship with the natural world, rethink our place in it and treat our planet and all its inhabitants with a great deal more respect, for its sake and for ours.’
The letter also wants the WHO to raise the alarm about the risks posed to human health by the wildlife trade.
The charities back initiatives to find alternative sources of protein for people who survive by eating wild animals.
Dr Jones said markets selling live wild animals were found in many countries and had rapidly expanded.
The trade in wild animals is also a major factor in global declines in wildlife, he added. The letter was co-ordinated by Born Free and its Lion Coalition partners.
It has been backed by other groups including the Bat Conservation Trust and Zoological Society of London.
Last month, a survey by wildlife charity WWF in Hong Kong, Japan, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam found 93 per cent backed official action to eliminate illegal markets.
Miss Symonds, who is expecting their baby in early summer, felt ‘incredibly lucky’ as Mr Johnson was discharged from hospital.
The 32-year-old posted on Twitter: ‘I cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. The staff at St Thomas’ Hospital have been incredible. I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you.’
She added: ‘There were times last week that were very dark indeed. My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones.’
Miss Symonds is understood to have written to Mr Johnson to boost his spirits, and sent a scan of their unborn baby.