Open dialogue with rural Britain is vital ahead of the General Election

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has told the Liberal Democrats that open dialogue with rural Britain should be a priority for all political parties ahead of the next general election.

BASC jointly hosted a rural reception with the Angling Trust, at the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference in Bournemouth, where they highlighted the key issue of gamebird releasing in both England and Wales.

Garry Doolan, BASC’s Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs, said: “The common thread in the conversations we are having with our members right across the UK is that they feel there is a significant disconnect between decision makers and those who live and work in rural communities.

“They say that dialogue is missing, which is why these rural receptions are so important at party conferences for building and maintaining relationships.

“But the political parties need to work hard in the next 12 months or so to convince rural voters that they have their best interests at heart.”