BASC members quiz Defra Secretary of State at Northern Gamekeepers’ Conference
BASC hosted the Secretary of State for Defra, Steve Barclay, at the inaugural Northern Gamekeepers’ Conference on 8 March at Swinton Estate.
Secretary of State warned of consequences of Defra gamebird decision
BASC chief executive Ian Bell is a joint signatory on a letter which has warned the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about the consequences of the decision to ban gamebird releasing in some parts of England.
The letter to Thérèse Coffey MP says that the late changes to the GL43 licence risk serious social, mental health and economic issues along with “issues of animal welfare brought about by a combination of poor communication, and a lack of consultation with professional game and wildlife managers and specialist vets”.
The letter urges Defra to re-issue the licence to “prevent an animal welfare crisis and economic collapse of a wide range of rural businesses” and to provide certainty to the sector.
BASC has announced it is funding a legal challenge which could see a High Court review of Defra’s actions.
BASC is thankful for the support it has received from its Aim to Sustain partners in managing the response to the GL43 issue.
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General licence renewed for gamebird release in SACs, but SPAs left in limbo
Defra has reissued GL43 for Special Areas of Conservation, but release in Special Protection Areas will still require an individual licence.
NRW moves goalposts on gamebird releasing proposals
NRW’s recommendation for gamebird release should be licensed from 2025 demonstrates a complete lack of fairness and transparency, says Conor O’Gorman.