The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has marked the former Labour MP Martin Salter’s contribution to shooting by making a special presentation to him of a framed print of barbel – one of his favourite species.
Mr. Salter now works as National Campaigns Co-ordinator for the Angling Trust, the national representative body for all forms of angling. BASC and the Angling Trust work closely together particularly during the political party conference season when they jointly host the rural receptions at the major party conferences. The first rural reception was hosted at a Labour conference in 2004 by Martin Salter.
The citation for the award noted Martin’s role as the Labour Party Spokesman for Angling and Shooting, the first Labour Charter for Shooting Sports and the successful campaigns to exempt certain breeds of gundogs from the ban on tail docking and abolish the game licence and licences to deal in game. It is also acknowledged the continued working between the Angling Trust and BASC. Mr Salter was the guest speaker at a recent BASC Council meeting where he received his award.
The Chairman of BASC, Alan Jarrett, said:
“BASC is resolutely all party in its work. As a Labour MP Martin worked closely with BASC to avert threats, improve the law on shooting and promote the sport. Both then and in his current role Martin is an excellent friend to shooting. His political skills are outstanding and we, and many shooters are also anglers, look forward to working with him in the future.”
Martin Salter said:
“From the moment I was appointed Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling and Shooting under Tony Blair to right up to my current role heading up national campaigns for the Angling Trust I have had nothing but respect for the professional way that BASC went about representing its members and making the case for responsible shooting. I was extremely grateful for this kind award and look forward to the strong relationship between our two organisations continuing for many years to come.”