Current legislation allows the sale of ivory as long as it is older than 1947. This was extremely difficult to enforce - anyone who watches antique shows on TV will tell you the experts merely assume ivory is assumed to be of a certain age merely because it is in a style of a ceertain period. I think current law now requires proof of age before you can sell.

The argument is that - whatever the trade restrictions - the ongoing trade in ivory encourages the ongoing interest in ivory including new ivory thus continuing to endanger the few animals we have left.

So, as it stands, the UK allows ivory trade with restrictions. If the Government's intention is to allow the status quo to continue, there is no need to provide written proof to that effect. If they wish to change this, then it should be in the Tory manifesto.

A general commitment to provide support to organisations trying to protect endangered species and marine animals is now in the Tory manifesto.

That is a helluva long way off banning ivory trade completely in my eyes. They could have included both pledges if they want to and it's perfectly reasonable for people to insist on clarification now - before the election - than after when it will be too late. That's the democratic process.