Rural livelihoods at risk due to firearms fees hike, says BASC
BASC has warned that the government’s decision to significantly increase firearms licensing fees poses a threat to rural livelihoods.
BASC chief executive presents UK Value of Shooting to European Parliament
BASC chief executive Ian Bell has presented the Value of Shooting report to the European Parliament, highlighting the UK aspect of the sector’s economic, environmental and social contribution across Europe.
The Value of Shooting report is the most comprehensive study of shooting’s impact in the UK. Produced by 24 partner organisations, it shows how shooting supports jobs, conservation and the wider rural economy, while also providing food, recreation and community benefit.
The presentation took place as part of launch of a landmark study by the University of Urbino, coordinated by FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation). The research shows that hunting, shooting and related industries generate €180 billion every year and support more than 1.1 million jobs in 30 countries, including all EU member states, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the event, BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “Shooting enriches nature, boosts wellbeing, and supports the rural economy. In the UK alone, shooting contributes £3.3 billion GVA annually, manages over 7.6 million hectares for wildlife, and supports 146,700 jobs.
“Beyond the economic impact, shooting delivers friendship, a sense of purpose, and provides healthy wild game for the table – it is clearly of immense value to both people and nature.”
Demonstrating strong benefits to society
The European Parliament meeting, hosted by MEP Isabel Benjumea, heard that decisionmakers must recognise the importance of the sector when shaping policy. She said: “Hunting, sports shooting and their related sectors demonstrate strong benefits to society, which must be safeguarded, supported and actively promoted.”
The findings of the 2024 Value of Shooting support this view. Carried out by leading market research and data analytics firm Cognisense, the report details the following headline figures:
- Shooting is worth £3.3 billion (GVA) to the UK economy every year
- £9.3 billion of wider economic activity generated for the UK economy
- 620,000 individuals are actively involved in shooting-related activities
- Shooting providers and volunteers carry out £500 million worth of conservation work, equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs and 14 million workdays each year
- Habitat management and conservation work is carried out on 7.6 million hectares as a result of shooting
- Three out of four people who take part in shooting said that it is important to them and their personal wellbeing, with most claiming shooting specifically contributes positively to their physical and mental health
- Shooters spend £4.4 billion on their UK-based supply chain each year
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