BASC has requested a meeting with the new Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP to discuss his commitment to support sustainable shooting.
Steve Reed’s appointment as Secretary of State for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs was announced on Friday evening as the new cabinet was confirmed, following the Labour Party’s general election victory.
At BASC’s reception at the Labour Party Conference last autumn, held in partnership with the Angling Trust, Mr Reed – who was Shadow Defra Secretary at the time – spoke of his party’s aim to have a “respectful relationship with the countryside”, which “includes…supporting shooting that is sustainable and conducted according to the law”.
BASC has written to Mr Reed to seek a meeting at the earliest possible date to discuss the issues facing shooting and conservation.
Commenting on Mr Reed’s appointment, BASC’s executive director of communications and public affairs, Christopher Graffius, said “BASC was encouraged by the positive comments made by Mr Reed at our reception at the Labour Party conference last year, and we look forward to working with him for the benefit of shooting and conservation.”
BASC supports an amendment to the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill which means the cultural traditions, religion, and heritage of animals have to be respected in government policy.
BASC has pledged to work with the newly-elected Scottish Government to ensure shooting’s interests continue to be fully represented in Holyrood.
BASC is asking its members and supporters to promote the benefits of grouse shooting to their local MPs and push back against a Wild Justice petition.
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