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Cross-party support on show at BASC Women in Shooting event
MPs and peers from across the political spectrum attended the Ladies Cup, hosted by BASC and Wilde & Glorious, to engage with women in shooting and discuss conservation, rural life, and countryside sports.
The recent Wilde & Glorious Ladies Cup, sponsored by BASC and hosted at the renowned Holland & Holland shooting grounds, offered not only a celebration of women in shooting but also a powerful platform for political engagement.
Engaging policymakers through participation
In a welcome show of cross-party support, several MPs and peers attended the event, immersing themselves in the world of shooting sports and meeting the diverse women taking part. Their presence underscored the importance of encouraging female participation in countryside pursuits, while also opening the door to deeper discussions on policy, access, and the future of sustainable shooting.
Among the politicians present were Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton and Chair of the Rural Services APPG (pictured below); Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour MP for Gower (pictured top); Aphra Brandreth, Conservative MP for Chester South and Eddisbury (pictured below); and Conservative peer, Baroness Sugg (pictured top). Their attendance was more than symbolic – it was participatory, constructive, and educational.
Parliamentarians share their perspectives
Sarah Dyke MP, who represents a rural constituency in the South West, emphasised the value of connecting with grassroots voices:
“It was wonderful to attend the event hosted by BASC Women and The Women in Westminster Shooting Club to discuss the countryside, sport and conservation. As an MP representing a rural constituency, I will always use my voice to protect rural communities, so it’s really important for me to take opportunities such as this to connect with rural voices and hear the perspectives of all those who manage and engage in our countryside.”
Tonia Antoniazzi MP, who represents Gower, in Wales, highlighted the empowering atmosphere of the day:
“It’s been absolutely fantastic to be out clay pigeon shooting with so many women. It was truly empowering to see such a wide range of ages and abilities coming together to enjoy the sport.
“Conservation and wildlife are really important in Gower, and I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with BASC members in my constituency about the work they do to support our area of outstanding natural beauty.”
Aphra Brandreth MP also praised the event’s accessibility and inclusive spirit:
“It was great to join fellow ‘Women in Westminster’ for a day’s clay shooting recently.
“The day was a fantastic introduction into shooting under the expert guidance of seasoned instructors and shows that country sports are accessible to all, regardless of gender or background.
“The day was brilliantly organised and I’m very much looking forward to future events.”
Strengthening political understanding of shooting
For BASC, hosting politicians at events like these is a vital part of ongoing advocacy and education efforts. It allows parliamentarians to witness first-hand the contribution shooting makes to rural life – from building community and supporting mental wellbeing to delivering conservation outcomes and sustaining rural economies.
Claire Sadler, BASC’s vice chair, who welcomed guests on the day, reflected on the importance of political engagement at grassroots events:
“Events like the Wilde & Glorious Ladies Cup are not just about competition – they’re about building connections, broadening understanding, and showcasing the inclusive nature of shooting sports. Visibility is accessibility.
“It was also fantastic to welcome MPs and peers to experience first-hand the camaraderie, skill and passion within our community. These kinds of events allow us to have meaningful conversations about the role shooting plays in our communities, in conservation, and in people’s wellbeing, and provide an opportunity to challenge beliefs around what the shooting community ‘looks like’.
“Seeing policymakers actively engaging with participants, many of whom were picking up a shotgun for the first time, shows just how powerful these experiences can be.”
Women in Shooting: A platform for progress
Through initiatives such as Women in Shooting, BASC is not only creating space for more women to thrive in the sport but also inviting decision-makers to be part of the conversation. As the sector faces increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure, such dialogue has never been more essential.
For more on how BASC is influencing policy and championing sustainable shooting, visit our Policy and Campaigns hub.
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