It is possible, if you have been hiding under a particularly large patch of heather, far, far away in the Scottish Highlands – maybe as far north as Ullapool – that you might not have heard the B word. Not “blast!” (when your Labrador has gone rogue), but Brexit. Don’t…
Brexit
The UK voted to leave the European Union on the 23rd June 2016.
Here you’ll find regularly updated news and articles on the future of the countryside and the shooting industry in post-Brexit Britain.
Anti-shooting proposals in “Tory” group manifesto
The Countryside Alliance (CA) has called on the Conservative Party to distance itself from an animal welfare group that it says is “masquerading” as part of the party. The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, established last year, seeks “an inquiry into commercial driven shoots” and urges the Government to “commit to…
Time for change at BASC with Peter Glenser
Tell me a bit about yourself… I took over a month ago and I’ve been confirmed as chairman of BASC for the next two years. I Iive in rural Norfolk with my wife, daughter and two dogs. Professionally, I’m a regulatory and criminal barrister with a particular interest in rural matters – firearms licensing in particular. I…
Rural welcome for pro-shooting Theresa May
Theresa May rose to the position of PM after the surprise early departure of David Cameron last week and withdrawal of Andrea Leadsom, her rival for the Conservative Party leadership. BASC’s Christopher Graffius suggested that Mrs May’s move into 10 Downing Street would be a positive one for shooters: “Mrs May has always been…
Shooters look to post-Brexit future
Shooting organisations have revealed how they believe Britain’s vote to leave the European Union will likely impact on shooters. The general consensus is that only time will tell, but there is speculation that Brexit spells good news for trapping, “contentious legislation” and firearms imports. BASC Scotland director Dr Colin Shedden…
Farming groups press DEFRA for clarification on post-Brexit policies
The National Farmer’s Union (NFU) and the CLA have set out what they believe is required to secure the immediate future of the UK rural economy post-Brexit. DEFRA secretary Elizabeth Truss has already stated that: “There will be no immediate changes — until we leave the EU current arrangements for farming…
Rural groups highlight scope for new opportunities after Brexit
Rural businesses must work together to stay profitable and create opportunity as the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU), say country groups. Around 52 per cent of voters opted to leave the EU in last Thursday’s referendum, prompting David Cameron to announce he will step down as Prime Minister before…
Shooting groups welcome tagging of medical records
A new “encoded reminder” system will make it easier for GPs to inform the police if they believe a firearms or shotgun certificate holder should not be in possession of a gun, following a change in legislation this month. As of 1 April, the application and renewal forms for firearms…
Shooting Industry has little to fear from Brexit, say experts
A “Brexit” would have little or no major impact on UK firearms ownership, according to shooting industry leaders. While the 23 June in-out referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union (EU) could have consequences for the agricultural industry and the environment the shooting industry has less to worry…
Environment and farming ministers are split over Brexit
Environment minister Elizabeth Truss and farming minister George are split over the issue of Brexit. Mr Eustice surprised many in the farming industry when he gave his support last month to the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union (EU), while Ms Truss revealed she is backing the Prime Minister’s…