THE UK's largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), highlighted the benefits of grouse moor management to Labour MPs and peers at the party's conference in Liverpool.
BASC chairman Peter Glenser addressed an audience gathered at a rural reception hosted by BASC and the Angling Trust. He explained that 75 per cent of the world's rare heather moorland is found in the UK. He also detailed the 'trickle-down' benefits of grouse shooting to islolated local communities.
Peter Glenser said: “The inaugural rural reception was at a Labour Party conference, so we were delighted to be here again this year.
"We told MPs and peers about the value of shooting to the economy and, in particular, the economic, conservation and social benefits of grouse shooting. Grouse shooting in England, Wales and Scotland supports the equivalent of more than 2,500 jobs, supports conservation work and is worth an estimated £100 million a year.”
Martyn Jones, a member of BASC council and a former Labour MP, underlined the importance of rural seats to Labour. Angela Smith MP, a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee, talked of Labour being a credible party for those who live in rural constituencies. She finished by saying that she “wished to see BASC continue their good work”.
Sophie Hutchinson, BASC's political affairs manager, said: “This was another successful rural reception. We look forward to continuing to work with Labour for shooting and conservation, as we have done in the past.”
ENDS
For more inforamation, please contact BASC's press office on 01244 573007 or email press@basc.org.uk
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