Shooting has a strong friend in us, say Tories

Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Barclay has promoted shooting as part of Britain’s rural identity and claims it offers “so much more” than economic and conservation benefits. 

Speaking at the BASC and Angling Trust reception following the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Barclay also spoke of the importance of rural voice being heard by the Conservatives. He said: “Shooting and the work BASC does are part of the rural identity. It is a complex picture and it is important you are listened to. 

“You will always have a strong friend in the Conservative Party. While it’s good to see the value of shooting in economic and conservation terms, the social prescription element should not be overlooked. Shooting is so much more than the economic and conservation benefit.” 

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), confirmed that the group has been reformed since the general election. “We want to work very constructively with this new Government,” he said. “I am delighted that we continue to have the backing of BASC as the secretariat of the APPG. The organisation does amazing work for shooting and the wider rural community.”