There have been no recent discussions between my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and Japanese Ministers on this issue.
The UK has consistently criticised Japan for her lethal whaling operations that are authorised under special permits (so called “scientific” whaling) and has urged Japan to end its scientific whaling activities.
The Government are deeply concerned at the latest Japanese proposals which include a plan to take 50 Humpback whales. In response, we are considering a high level diplomatic protest to the Japanese Government, following consultation with like-minded anti-whaling countries.