The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), has pledged to continue to work proactively with all politicians across the UK, whether in government or opposition, to increase the value of shooting in Britain.
Research shows shooting generates £2 billion for the economy every year, supports the equivalent of 74,000 full-time jobs and is responsible for providing £250 million for conservation work every year. Two-thirds of the UK’s rural land area is influenced by management for shooting.
BASC is a non-party-political organisation which works with all politicians and parties in Westminster and in the devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
BASC chairman Alan Jarrett said: “Shooting makes a significant and positive contribution to life in the UK, which is widely recognised. It is conducted to high standards. We help to improve and manage habitats, increasing biodiversity and we work in partnership with conservation organisations on the ground locally and nationally. We provide jobs and help to support and maintain rural economies. Shooting provides tasty, locally-sourced food which is enjoying a surge in popularity. It brings us success in international sport. We will be taking these messages to all politicians in government and in opposition.”
BASC chief executive Richard Ali said: “We congratulate everyone who has been elected to Parliament. BASC members live across the UK; in cities, in the countryside and on the coast. Thousands of people used BASC’s election website to contact candidates and to establish their views on shooting. BASC has always engaged positively with politicians of all parties and we will continue to do so in the coming Parliament. We are already working to build a consensus which recognises and supports shooting. Our message is clear. Shooting is good for the economy, good for the countryside and good for social and personal wellbeing.”
Research quoted from the Value of Shooting report 2014