Election upheavals and what they mean for shooting

Thank you to everyone who took the time to use our online election platforms to contact candidates for the Senedd and Scottish Parliament. We have already been meeting newly elected members.

If you have not already done so, please forward any emails you received from them to welshelection2026@basc.org.uk or politicsscotland@basc.org.uk.

Wales

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is now the leader of the first non-Labour Welsh Government, with 43 seats.

Meanwhile, Reform UK came second with 34 seats and will be the official opposition, led by Dan Thomas. Labour and the Conservatives secured nine and seven seats respectively.

In its pre-election manifesto, Plaid Cymru committed to halting biodiversity loss and achieving substantive recovery by 2050. That is exactly what the shooting community in Wales is doing.

There are also specific promises for the creation and maintenance of woodlands and hedgerows. Again, these are areas where the shooting sector is already delivering positive outcomes.

Furthermore, Reform UK’s Wales manifesto committed not to ban the release of gamebirds or create a licensing regime. It also pledged to review what it described as the “excessively restrictive” General Licences for the control of pest birds.

As a result, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Through engagement with the new Government, BASC will seek public recognition of the social, environmental and economic benefits of shooting.

In addition, BASC wants a commitment to create and deliver action plans that protect species, agricultural crops, forestry, and native flora and fauna.

Scotland

John Swinney remains First Minister after the Scottish National Party (SNP) returned as the largest party with 58 seats. However, the party fell seven seats short of the 65 needed for an outright majority.

The next largest parties are Reform UK and Scottish Labour, both with 17 seats. The Greens secured 15 seats, while the Conservatives won 12.

The SNP and Scottish Labour have both committed to supporting deer management and venison supply.

Likewise, Reform UK’s Scottish manifesto promised to support rural communities by maintaining traditional country sports.

The previous Scottish Government relied on Green Party support until 2024. During that period, there were a series of attacks on shooting interests.

However, the situation has improved during the past two years since Mr Swinney took charge. The First Minister has met with BASC several times and understands many of the sector’s concerns. Therefore, there is room for cautious optimism.

BASC’s priorities

In addition to public recognition of the social, environmental and economic benefits of shooting, BASC is seeking a commitment from the Scottish Government to work with practitioners using scientific evidence and fact-based approaches.

The organisation also wants the Government to review current and outdated legislation and licensing. The aim is to ensure regulations support self-regulation and remain workable for the sector.

Bird quarry species review could prove a key test

While immediate threats to shooting have receded in Wales and Scotland, they could return.

A key issue will be how both governments respond to the recently concluded bird quarry species review. Because wildlife legislation is devolved, different approaches could emerge across the nations.

This will be an important test. Will governments support self-regulation and endorse BASC’s sustainable shooting code of practice? Or will they choose a legislative approach instead?

Building relationships across politics

Whatever happens next, BASC will continue to engage with elected representatives from every party and at every level of government.

That includes county councils, metro mayors, the governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as the UK Government.

After all, today’s politicians may become tomorrow’s leaders.

As a case in point, many years ago I met one Andy Burnham at an event and was impressed by both his knowledge and genuine interest in what we had to say.

We may hear more from him in due course.