Europeans showing 'hypocrisy' over seal product ban: Williams

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams has lashed out at European politicians who have approved a ban on importing clothing, food and other products made from seals.

The European Parliament on Tuesday passed a motion that bans the import of such products, including Omega-3 capsules made from seal oil, into member countries of the European Union. The bill called the hunting of seals "cruel."

Williams, who said his government will fight the ban before it becomes law, said Europeans have focused on one hunt while ignoring others.

"The hypocrisy of Europeans to be after Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, particularly, on this is unbelievable," Williams told reporters Tuesday.

"You see what's happening in countries like Denmark with the whale slaughters. We see other parts of the world where kangaroos are being culled by the hundreds of thousands, and yet they're after the seal harvest here in Newfoundland and Labrador," he said.

"So Europeans should have a good, hard look at themselves."

Williams described animal welfare activists who have long lobbied for an EU ban as "money-grabbing jokers" who slant information to make sealers appear barbaric.

The federal government said Tuesday it will challenge the EU ban at the World Trade Organization.