Samantha Cameron faces criticism from PETA

Samantha Cameron and the controversial £950 It-bag

SAMANTHA CAMERON IS at the centre of a row with PETA, after the animal rights campaigners criticised her for using leather in a bag she designed.

Mrs Cameron is creative-director of luxury leather good brand Smythson, and designed the brand's first ever handbag, the Nancy, this season.

Although the bag has proved a fashion hit, PETA have criticised Mrs Cameron for betraying her supposed ethical values.

PETA spokesman Anita Singh commented, 'As advocates for all things green, the Camerons should know the leather industry is about as environmentally friendly as an ocean oil spill.'

She added, 'We can only hope that Samantha Cameron considers the green credentials that her husband advocates and moves into the 21st century, where there are numerous eco-friendly alternatives to leather.'

Speaking at a store opening last month in LA, Mrs Cameron commented that the bag had a strong focus on 'the luxurious quality of the leather'. Though she is yet to comment on PETA's claims, a Smythson spokesman stated that the leather was from, 'the world's most reputable tanneries'.