BASC is calling on its members to lobby their MPs on the benefits of grouse shooting ahead of a parliamentary debate. The association recently launched a campaign website to allow members to lobby their MPs to establish their position on grouse shooting.
The Petitions Committee has agreed to schedule a parliamentary debate on a League Against Cruel Sports-backed petition to ban grouse shooting. BASC welcomes the debate because it provides an opportunity to dispel myths being promoted by anti-shooting extremists.
BASC is calling on its members to tell their MP that grouse shooting makes a significant contribution to the economy, provides jobs and investment in some of the UK’s most remote areas and offers important benefits for wildlife and habitat conservation.
By following the link on the BASC website, members can directly contact their MP to ask their position on grouse shooting. Responses will then be collated by BASC for other members to see.
Sophie Hutchinson, BASC’s political affairs manager, said: “After a concerted campaign by the antis, the House of Commons will debate grouse shooting. It is important that BASC members lobby their MPs so that parliament understands the depth of support for all shooting.
“This is not just about grouse shooting. The antis who have whipped up a campaign against grouse shooting by pedalling half-truths, gross exaggerations and myths will, in time, move against all shooting. BASC looks forward to putting the evidence-based case for grouse shooting in parliament. In the meantime, individual members can play an important part in protecting the future of shooting by ensuring their MPs hear their case.”
BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “BASC will continue to be at the forefront of providing evidence to government and other politicians in support of grouse shooting, but we urge individual members and all those who shoot to play their part by contacting their MPs to counter the mistruths touted by celebrity extremists and online trolls.
“Government is committed to helping create a sustainable future for the uplands and grouse shooting is part of that long-term strategy. Evidence proves the positive environmental and economic impact of grouse shooting; evidence provides truths which will prove inconvenient for the extremists and the anti-shooting celebrities who have misled the public.”
To access BASC’s campaign website click here