The Conservative party has praised the conservation work done by all those involved in shooting and angling for their positive impact on the countryside.
The continued commitment to countryside sports was made at a special event at the Conservative party conference, which was organised by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust (FACT).
Peter Ainsworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “Country sports play a major part in the life of our rural communities. All too often the link between shooting and conservation is overlooked. I’d like to highlight the work done by all those involved in shooting and angling for their work in making our countryside what it is.”
Opposition spokesman for Northern Ireland, the Olympics and for Wales, Lord Glentoran, highlighted the need to help our Olympic shooters: “The Act in 1997 effectively banned 17 gun sports and, has meant that our Olympians have had to train in Zurich because they can’t legally train in the UK. Our Olympic team has been affected by the handgun ban which I say is crazy. This situation needs to be addressed. Legally owned weapons are not responsible for gun crime and Olympic shooters should be allowed to train in the UK. “
ENDS