Dame Judi Dench demands Iceland ban as 18 whales killed | World | News

Dame Judi Dench has demanded Iceland “turn the page” on commercial whaling and instead become the top destination for seeing the creatures.

Singer Leona Lewis and comedian Ricky Gervais were among those who joined the actor in signing a letter on the issue to Icelandic Industry Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir.

Humane World for Animals said at least 18 fin whales have been killed so far this season.

In a letter issued by the animal charity, the celebrities said they wanted to express their “deep sadness” at the resumption of commercial whaling.

They added: “We stand with the many people in Iceland who do not want to see this whale slaughter continue, who want to open a new page in Iceland’s relationship with whales, built on respect, compassion and loyalty to nature.

“The world applauded you when you recently committed to introducing a bill that would ban commercial whaling in Iceland. By doing so, you can turn the page on the killing of whales for meat for which there is almost no viable market, and instead make Iceland a leading worldwide destination for peaceful, harmonious whale-watching tourism.”

It was understood that a pregnant woman and her unborn baby were killed in the past weeks.

Another was said to have been shot four times with “exploding harpoons” and took 31 minutes to die.

The celebrities added: “The world applauded you when you recently committed to introducing a bill that would ban commercial whaling in Iceland. By doing so, you can turn the page on the killing of whales for meat for which there is almost no viable market, and instead make Iceland a leading worldwide destination for peaceful, harmonious whale-watching tourism.”

“Please let these be the last whales to die in the Icelandic hunt.”

Iceland remains one of three countries, alongside Norway and Japan, that openly permits commercial whaling.