An anti-shooting campaign group has been ordered to stop attempting to affiliate itself with the Conservative Party following a complaint by BASC.
The chairman of the Conservative Party has confirmed that the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation has been asked to withdraw use of the political party’s logo.
In a letter to BASC, the Rt. Hon. Sir Patrick McLoughlin MP, wrote: “The director general of the Conservative Party has reviewed the status of this group.
“As a result, I have asked the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation to withdraw the use of the Party logo and to limit their operations. The Outreach Team will be working with the organisation to ensure this takes place.”
BASC’s acting chief executive Christopher Graffius wrote to Sir Patrick last month to explain that voters could be confused into believing the extremist group is officially affiliated to the party. Mr Graffius also highlighted that the Foundation’s co-founder, Lorraine Platt, is a trustee of the League Against Cruel Sports.
BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “We thank the Conservative Party for responding so quickly to our concerns about the behaviour of this extremist organisation.
“It is important that the shooting community is constantly on its guard to prevent groups like this getting a foothold to spread their misinformation about shooting and the rural community.
“BASC explained to the Conservative Party that shooting is worth £2 billion to the UK economy each year and supports the equivalent of 74,000 full-time jobs. We are grateful that the Conservative Party recognises the value of shooting and continues to provide its support.”
ENDS
Note to Editors: Copies of the letters are available here – https://basc.org.uk/blog/key-issues/media-key-issues/basc-complaint-secures-conservative-party-backing/
For more information, please contact BASC's press office on 01244 573007 or email press@basc.org.uk
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