Role of BASC members praised at Liberal Democrats conference

More than 200 people joined a full rural reception in Bournemouth yesterday, 22 September, hosted by BASC and the Angling Trust during the Liberal Democrats Autumn Conference.

Speakers at the reception included Alistair Carmichael MP (pictured top) – who is also chair of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee.

Mr Carmichael paid tribute to the role of BASC members, telling the reception that his party’s engagement with our membership “improves their understanding of the practical day-to-day issues around life in the countryside”.

Speaking at the reception, he said: “One of the things that genuinely concerns me is the gulf of understanding between the realities of life in the countryside and the realities of life in the city. It is tempting to live in our own little social media silos and lose that shared understanding as a result. The work of BASC sits very well alongside other organisations that have their roots in the countryside – it’s important to get a holistic understanding.

“We have to tell the story of what your members do. Don’t expect people to know or understand for themselves; there are lots of other voices out there who will give a different picture. Today you have the opportunity to tell our party what your members do in our communities and for this – and your willingness to come here and engage with us – we are enormously grateful.”