Government stalls on lead shot decision as shooting sector’s voluntary pledge fails

A voluntary pledge made by nine UK shooting organisations in 2020 to phase out lead shot in favour of non-toxic alternatives by 2025 has failed, according to research funded by the RSPB. 

The study, conducted by Cambridge University and the University of the Highlands and Islands, found that despite industry commitments, the use of lead shot in game shooting remains widespread. The findings were published on 6 March in Conservation Evidence.

In the latest phase of the research, shot was recovered from 171 whole pheasants purchased from butchers, game dealers, and supermarkets. Of these, 99% had been killed using lead ammunition. Similar testing of 78 red grouse carcasses from the 2024/25 shooting season found that all had been shot with lead. The research team, which has monitored the transition annually since the pledge was made, concluded that voluntary efforts had not succeeded in phasing out lead.

However, the research was funded in part by the RSPB, a vocal opponent of game shooting, as well as Waitrose and an anonymous donor. Many in the shooting community argue that the transition to non-lead ammunition is more complex than presented in the study, with concerns over performance, cost, and the suitability of alternatives for older firearms.

Terry Behan, spokesman for BASC, told ST: “Five years after the voluntary transition away from lead shot began, significant progress has been made. Market-led solutions have emerged, with more than 150 sustainable shotgun cartridge options now available, and many shooters have successfully transitioned to lead-free ammunition. Manufacturers, retailers, and game dealers have embraced the shift, ensuring that sustainable shooting practices continue to grow.

“BASC has invested considerable time into education – thousands of people have attended BASC’s sustainable ammunition events since 2020, where they are introduced to non-lead ammunition, given the opportunity to try it using clay targets and have their guns checked for their suitability for lead alternatives.

The RSPB’s findings come at a time when the UK government has failed to meet its deadline to respond to the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) recommendations for restrictions on the use of toxic lead ammunition. The HSE’s report, published in December 2024, proposed a ban on lead shot for live quarry shooting, citing risks to human health and the environment. The government was due to issue its response by 13 March 2025 but, at the time of writing, has yet to do so.

Terry Behan added: “Any future legislation must be practical, proportionate, based on evidence and ensure animal welfare. We will continue working with government, stakeholders, and the wider industry to ensure a sustainable, workable future for shooting.”