Government support for sustainable shooting reaffirmed at BASC meeting

The government’s support for sustainable shooting and the benefits it has for conservation and the rural economy were reaffirmed at a meeting between BASC chief executive Ian Bell, and Environment Secretary Steve Barclay MP.

A range of key issues facing shooting including gamebird release, firearms licensing and deer management were discussed at the meeting, held recently in Westminster.

Mr Bell said the meeting was constructive and informative.

Mr Bell said: “We are grateful to Mr Barclay for taking the time to meet us. He reaffirmed his government’s support for sustainable shooting and the benefits it has for conservation and the rural economy.

“The meeting gave us a chance to sit down face to face and really get into the detail of the issues facing shooting. It gave us the opportunity to outline what the issues are, how they affect our members, what we think the solutions are and how we can work together to shape future policy.

“There are a range of challenges on the horizon and BASC will continue to engage with Mr Barclay and the Defra team on behalf of our members and the wider shooting and conservation community.”

Mr Barclay said: “It was good to meet with BASC, whose members have such an important role to play as custodians of our countryside and some of our most important landscapes.

“This government is committed to a sustainable shooting sector, and we will continue to work closely with BASC to develop policies which deliver for the local economy and improve the natural environment.”

Read more about BASC’s political and policy work here.