The work of BASC and the Angling Trust was praised at the Liberal Democrats’ 2016 Conference in Brighton.
Speaking at the rural reception hosted by BASC and the Angling Trust, Alistair Carmichael MP praised the work of both organisations, saying it was “very important” and thanked representatives present.
Mark Williams MP spoke about the Liberal Democrats’ role in rural issues. He said that the party has a reputation for listening to rural issues across the country and acknowledged the role rural seats will play in the party’s future.
He said there were three key principles that the party signs up to: Biodiversity, the economic needs of the countryside and the link between shooting and conservation, pointing out that the two go ‘hand in hand’.
Sophie Hutchinson, BASC’s political affairs manager, said: “Our rural reception was very successful again this year. Both speakers were very supportive which illustrates the cross party support we strive for at BASC.”
Peter Glenser, BASC chairman, said: “Shooting has a huge impact on the environment and on the economic health of the countryside. In addition to the huge economic benefits, shooting makes an massive contribution to the management of the countryside. People who shoot spend 3.9 million work days on conservation – the equivalent of 16,000 full-time jobs and shoot providers spend nearly £250 million a year on conservation.”
BASC and the Angling Trust will also be holding events at the Conservative and Labour party conferences.
ENDS
For more information, please contact BASC's press office on 01244 573007 or email press@basc.org.uk
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