The Liberal Democrats have confirmed support for country sports and responsible gun ownership at the rural reception hosted by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Angling Trust at the party’s conference in Glasgow.
Defra Minister Dan Rogerson MP praised the positive working relationship between the Liberal Democrats and BASC, noting that “There is a lot of good work we can do together”. He also referred to the large attendance at the meeting as a testament to “how popular the subject of rural affairs is at the Liberal Democrats’ conference”.
The Minister expressed his wish to visit a shoot in his constituency of North Cornwall in conjunction with BASC.
Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, extolled the importance of shooting and fishing to the rural economy, saying that “The party is very, very supportive of country sports and of responsible gun ownership.”
BASC chairman Alan Jarrett thanked the Minister and said BASC would be pleased to work with politicians, government and other organisations for the good of the countryside and for the rural economy.
He called for organisations such as BASC, NGOs and government agencies to work together to make the countryside a better place.
He said: “We stand for shooting and conservation and there is a place for all wildlife and a place for responsible shooting.”
ENDS