Defra minister Therese Coffey was informed of the value of shooting to the economy and conservation after visiting The Game Fair 2017 as BASC’s guest.
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs undertook a clay pigeon session with a BASC coach, met gun-makers and was introduced to other countryside organisations.
Sophie Hutchinson, BASC’s political affairs manager, said: “The minister saw that many people care passionately about the countryside and are engaged in work that provides jobs, supports the economy and is essential to conservation.
“Shooting is an important part of life for many people and we know that government recognises it as a vital part of many rural communities, supporting environmental and economic investment.”
BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “BASC takes every opportunity to promote shooting and conservation and to highlight the economic contribution it makes to the UK.
“We will continue to tell government that shooting is worth £2 billion to the UK economy each year and provides the equivalent of 74,000 full-time jobs. Sometimes, though, the best way of showing the true value of shooting is by actually getting out and meeting the people who have such a passion for shooting, whether for employment or as a sport.”