Importance of rural voices being heard highlighted at Conservative conference

“Shooting is so much more than just the economic and conservation benefit”, said Shadow Environment secretary Steve Barclay MP, addressing BASC’s Conservative conference rural reception yesterday.

Speaking to a full house at the joint BASC and Angling Trust rural reception at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Barclay MP said: “Shooting and the work BASC does are part of the rural identity. It’s a complex picture and it is important that you are listened to.”

He continued: “You will always have a strong friend in the Conservative Party. There was a direct line to us when I was the Secretary of State. Indeed, BASC was one of the first organisations that I spoke to when I was appointed into the position.”

He added: “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 just the economic and conservation benefit.”

“The Conservative Party will work responsibly in opposition to speak up for BASC, rural sports and the rural way of life. You will always have us on your side.”

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group, who hosted the event, said: “We have been busy reforming the group since the General Election.

“It’s important that we do have a true cross-party group. We want to work very constructively with this new government.

“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.”

Find out more information about BASC’s political and policy work here.