New debate on grouse shooting this month 

Wild Justice has triggered a second Westminster Hall debate on banning driven grouse shooting, scheduled for Monday, 30 June. The campaign group’s latest petition recently passed the 100,000 signatures required, marking its second attempt to secure a ban through Parliamentary pressure. 

It comes four years after the shooting community achieved a resounding victory in the previous Westminster debate. 

In 2021, grouse shooting received support from cross-party MPs, including those from upland constituencies. 

Tom Hunt MP summarised that debate: “What is not clear is that banning driven grouse shooting would be good for the environment: in fact, I think, on balance, it would be harmful.” 

The debate concluded there was “not support in this House for the petition”. 

However, the political context has changed significantly. All previous petitions happened under a Conservative Government, whereas this debate will occur under Labour. This shift raises questions about how the new Government will respond to anti-shooting pressure, although its position remains supportive. 

“The Government has no plans to ban driven grouse shooting. It recognises well-managed grouse shooting can be an important part of a local rural economy, providing direct and indirect employment,” according to its official response. 

Sporting agent Mark Osbourne said: “It was inevitable that with this sort of a Labour majority, we would have another debate. During it, we will hear all the tired old arguments. The most important thing for anyone who is unbiased to think about is that pretty well all land needs managing. At a time where the country has largely run out of money, if moor owners don’t manage their land for a purpose such as shooting and farming, who will pay to do so?” 

BASC says the debate is an opportunity to publicise the benefits of grouse shooting. Executive director of communications and public affairs, Christopher Graffius, said: “The current Labour Government opposes Chris Packham’s petition, stating in their response that they have ‘no plans to ban driven grouse shooting’ and that they ‘recognise that well-managed grouse shooting can be an important part of a local rural economy, providing direct and indirect employment’. 

“The Government considers that well-managed shooting activities can bring benefits to the rural economy and can be beneficial for wildlife and habitat conservation. We look forward to seeing Labour MPs back their Government by supporting sustainable grouse shooting conducted according to the law,” he added.